Wydad's Resurrection: A New Generation Aims to Reclaim African Glory
16 October 2025
Context: a storied club returns in a new era
Wydad Athletic Club, Morocco's continental powerhouse, has dominated African club football in recent years, lifting the CAF Champions League twice in 2017 and 2021 and reaching the semi finals five times. After missing Africa's top competition last season due to a domestic third-place finish, the Red Wave returns through the CAF Confederation Cup with a largely refreshed squad and new leadership. A debut against Ashanti Gold in Accra awaits, with a derby against Raja Casablanca to follow later in the season.
The challenge ahead: renewal meets tradition
Today the squad features only three survivors from the previous continental era: goalkeeper Youssef Al-Moutayeb, captain and defender Ayman Abu Al-Fath, and top scorer Zuhair Al Mutari. The rest are new faces spearheaded by president Hicham Ait Mana, who since taking charge a year ago has overseen a major overhaul, including 46 players in a single window.
The Red Devils are counting on veteran Nordin Amrabat, South African Lorch, and Brazilian Ferreira to push back to continental glory, even if the opening test against Ashanti Gold is tough. The Ghanaian club carries a history of success in Africa and will not roll over easily. The tie is played in Accra after CAF rejected Kumasi as a venue, sparing the visitors a long travel.
Adding to the test is the domestic derby against Raja Casablanca, scheduled for October 19 at the Mohammed V Stadium after authorities relented to fan pressure and kept the stadium open for the Clássico. The triple-header of Ashanti Gold and the Casablanca derby will define the early shape of the season and evaluate coach Amin Benhachem's leadership.
Relying on renewal while respecting tradition, the team faces a grueling start but has potential to rebound and reclaim Africa's stage. If the players rise to the occasion, the continent may once again hear Wydad echoed through the halls of greatness.
Punchline 1: If ambition were a ball, Wydad just kicked it into orbit—let's hope gravity doesn’t catch up with them.
Punchline 2: In Casablanca they say youth is fearless; with Amrabat, Lorch, and Ferreira, they might just outpace the night and the draw can be friendly to no one.
