Wydad's Historic Ghana Victory Sparks a continental comeback

Match Report

Wydad Casablanca pulled off a meaningful and historic victory, edging Ashanti Gold of Ghana 1-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup second qualifying round, the first leg played on Accra's pitch.

The lone goal came from Joseph Bakasso early in the second half, granting Wydad an unprecedented win on Ghanaian soil, their first taste of victory there after a string of visits that had yielded little more than disappointment.

More importantly, the result reasserts the Moroccan club’s standing in Africa after it had faded from the spotlight in the previous edition.

The triumph also signals a technical and mental upswing this season, as Wydad sits atop the Moroccan league and shows a determined drive to reclaim continental prominence after a period of relative decline.

This transformation did not happen by accident; it followed a historic transfer window that fortified Wydad with solid signings after a disappointing Club World Cup run in the United States, leaving fans hungry for a fresh page.

Technical Details and Key Moments

One key factor was moving the tie from Kumasi, Ashanti’s base, to Accra, helping the team dodge the hostile pressure of the Ghanaian crowd.

Coach Mohammed Benhahem opted for a balanced starting eleven, with Mehdi Benabid guarding the goal, a back four including Mohamed Mufid on the right and Bouchta on the left, with central pair Abou El-Fath and Vieira.

In midfield, veteran captain Nordin Amrabat controlled the tempo, joined by Lambrat, with Lorch and Bakasso supporting the attack behind the clear striker Hamza Al-Henouri.

From the outset, Wydad dictated the pace, dominating possession, while Lorch shone in the first half, but squandered several clear chances.

In the 12th minute he burst at the Ghanaian keeper but fired over the bar; he tried again in the 25th after a fine pass from Mohamed Mufid, only to miss the target. A pass from Amrabat just before the 39th minute created another opening that was squandered as a weak shot went straight into the keeper’s hands.

Despite the profligacy, Wydad pressed on, with a fierce free kick from Aziz Ki striking the crossbar in a heart-stopping moment.

Frustration grew for coach Benhahem as he shouted instructions, mindful that wasteful finishing could cost dearly against a side with ample European experience.

Bakasso’s Historic Strike

In the second half, Wydad maintained the pressure, and just one minute into the period Bakasso slammed home a rebound from a Lorch corner in the 46th minute, sending the ball into the net and giving Wydad a precious and historic lead in Accra.

The goal unsettled Ashanti, especially after their starter keeper was sent off, leaving the hosts with ten men for a large part of the game. Wydad continued to threaten through Lorch, Bakasso and Hamza Al-Henouri, who came close but could not add to the tally.

In the 70th minute, Benhahem made intelligent substitutions, bringing Zemrari and Mohtou to refresh the midfield, before bringing on the Botswana international Tomisong, who also squandered a fierce opportunity in the 79th minute.

Ashanti failed to respond in the final minutes, their lines structured but short on ideas, while Wydad held firm at the back thanks to a solid display from Abou El-Fath and Vieira, and reliable work from keeper Mehdi Benabid who preserved a clean sheet.

This victory matters as the first Wydad win in Ghana after six trips that had yielded a string of losses. It also evokes the 2001 Cup of Cups final against the same rival, when Wydad claimed the title despite a 2-1 defeat in Kumasi, thanks to the away win in Casablanca.

Sniper-style punchlines: 1) If finishing were a sniper, Bakasso just filed his license to kill. 2) Wydad’s attack had real aim today; the only misses were in the Ghanaian weather forecast. 3) Onward to the next leg—because every good story needs a cliffhanger, and this one ends with a clean sheet and a grin.