MATCH RECAP: Manchester City Ease Past Wydad Casablanca in Club World Cup Opener
Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday, with early and clinical goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku setting the tone.
Foden struck inside the opening two minutes, capitalizing on a fumble by Wydad goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, who parried a Savinho cross directly into his path. The England international made no mistake from close range, giving City an early lead in front of a 37,446-strong crowd, many of whom were City supporters, though the Moroccan fans made themselves heard.
Despite fielding an experimental side, Pep Guardiola’s men dominated from start to finish. New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki were handed debuts, while 18-year-old Vitor Reis earned a rare start. France international Cherki showed flashes of flair playing behind Foden, who continued to pull the strings throughout the first half.
The second goal came in the 42nd minute when Foden’s corner was met by Doku, who rose above the Wydad defense to nod home and double City’s lead. Doku had another clear chance early in the second half but failed to convert after breaking through the defense.
City registered 15 shots to Wydad’s 12, with six on target compared to the Moroccan side’s two. Possession was heavily in City’s favor (68%), as they completed nearly 620 passes with a 91% accuracy rate.
Wydad, who earned their spot as former CAF Champions League winners, weren’t without moments of danger. Thembinkosi Lorch attempted an audacious lob from inside his own half after a City turnover, while Cassius Mailula spurned a good chance following a rare defensive lapse by Reis.
Despite the win, City’s afternoon was soured late on when Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card in the 88th minute for a high studs-up challenge on Samuel Obeng. Guardiola lamented the dismissal but accepted the decision: “Rico never had any intention to hurt anyone… the referee is the boss, and VAR checked it, so we accept it.”
Looking ahead, City will next face Al Ain of the UAE in Atlanta before a final Group G clash against Juventus. With the likes of Rodri and Erling Haaland returning to the lineup in the second half, Guardiola may opt for a stronger XI in the next outing.
For Wydad, who came into the tournament with a new coach and hastily assembled reinforcements, this was always going to be a tough test. But head coach Amine Benhachem remained positive: “Nobody likes to lose, but we showed good spirit and we have something to work on for the second match.”
Final Score:
Manchester City 2–0 Wydad Casablanca
(Foden 2’, Doku 42’)
Red Card: Rico Lewis (88’)
City top their group after Matchday 1, with tougher battles ahead as they chase their first Club World Cup crown.
