Clinical Manchester City See Off Wydad Casablanca in Club World Cup Opener
Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday, showcasing their attacking quality and composure despite a late controversy.
City wasted no time asserting themselves. Just two minutes into the match, Phil Foden opened the scoring. Jérémy Doku’s low cross from the left was initially pushed away by goalkeeper Youssef Benabid, but Foden was quick to react and calmly slotted home the rebound to give the European champions an early lead.
The Premier League giants continued to control the tempo, and they were rewarded again before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Foden turned provider, whipping in a dangerous corner that flew across the face of goal. Doku met it at the far post with a crisp, first-time volley reminiscent of Erling Haaland, doubling City’s advantage with a clinical finish.
Rico Lewis impressed throughout the match with his energy and intelligent positioning, but his evening ended in disappointment. Late in the second half, the young right-back was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Wydad’s Samuel Obeng. Lewis slid in to clear a loose ball and made contact with Obeng’s face in the follow-through. Although he won the ball cleanly, the follow-up contact was deemed dangerous. After a VAR review, the referee’s decision stood, and Lewis was dismissed.
Despite going down to ten men, City remained in control and saw out the match without further drama. Pep Guardiola’s side now advance to the next stage of the tournament as they aim to secure their first-ever Club World Cup title.
The lineups
MCI: Ederson; Lewis, Reis, Aké, O’Reilly; Reijnders; Savinho, Foden, Cherki, Doku; Marmoush
WAC: Benabid; Moufid, Ferreira, Meijers, Boutouil, Moufi; Amrabat, Zemraoui, Moubarik, Lorch; Mailula
