Wydad on course for quarterfinals

Wydad Athletic Club player Mohammed Nahiri (R) and Horoya AC player Alseny Camara (L) fight for the ball during the CAF Champions League soccer match between Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco and Horoya AC of Guinea at Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca , Morocco, 28 July 2018.

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Jul 28, 2018. 23:13

CAF Champions League holders Wydad Casablanca remain on course for the quarterfinals after they defeated Horoya AC 2-0 at Stade Mohamed V on Saturday night.

The result sees the Moroccans rise to the top of Group C with a tally of eight points, while the Guineans are tied for second on five points with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. AS Togo-Port bring up the rear with three points, as all four teams remain in quarterfinal contention.

Wydad got off to a great start and claimed the lead as early as the 12th minute, with Chieck Ibrahim Comara netting after a fine move from the hosts.

Just six minutes later the Moroccans strengthened their grip on the game by claiming a 2-0 lead, with Mohamed Ounnajem netting to see Wydad fully capitalise on a strong spell of dominance.

The Casablanca side regularly tested out Horoya goalkeeper Khadim N’Diaye, who was a busy man through the first half and prevented a more emphatic score line by half time.

The second half saw Wydad take their foot off the pedal and cruise home to the three points, keeping Horoya at bay with relative ease.

The teams will return to CAF Champions League action on the weekend of August 17-19, with Wydad at home to Mamelodi Sundowns, while Horoya will host Togo-Port.

Wydad Casablanca (2) 2 (Comara 12’, Ounnajem 18’)
Horoya AC 0

Wydad: Tagnaouti, Nekkach, Ounnajem, Gadarine, El Haddad (Al Ashbahi 90+2’), Michel (Tighazaoui 72’), El Karti (El Hassouni 83’), Saidi, Noussir, Comara, Nahiri

Horoya: N’Diaye, Al. Camara (Mando 64’), Ab. Camara, Assoko, A. Camara, Mensah, Baffour, Lingani, Mandela, D. Camara, Al. A. Camara (Nikiema 85’)