Amrabat's late strike seals crucial CAF win for Wydad in Tanzania

Match recap

The Moroccan side returned from Africa with a precious 1-0 win over Azam in Tanzania, on Friday, in the second round of group-stage play in the CAF Confederation Cup. Wydad fielded a familiar starting XI, coach Amin Benhachem insisting on his strongest lineup despite fatigue and packed fixtures, taking aim at Azam's coach Florent Ibengé. From the opening, the aim was clear: return with a positive result. As expected, Azam pressed to overturn the previous defeat and threatened through Kitambala in the 3rd and 6th minutes, but Benabid shone. Azam continued to push, yet the first half finished goalless as Benabid produced a standout save and the pace subsided. Fans watched as the teams traded chances in a measured tempo, with the clock ticking.

In the second half, Wydad came out stronger, pressing relentlessly and finally breaking through in the 57th minute. Amrabat led the move from the left, and Lorsch returned the pass with a backheel before the veteran buried it, becoming Wydad's oldest continental scorer at 38 years and 7 months. The moment sealed a morale lift for Wydad after a demanding run of fixtures. The moment sealed a morale lift for Wydad after a demanding run of fixtures.

After the goal, Azam sought the equalizer, firing a dangerous shot from Masengo in the 66th minute, before Benhachem shuffled his midfield to steady the advantage. Azam kept pressing and demanded a penalty after Kitambala's tumble in the 79th minute, but the referee awarded only a corner, which nearly invited trouble for the visitors. Still, Wydad held on to extend their Group Two leadership to 6 points, extending a remarkable run of eight straight wins across all competitions and four in the Confederation Cup.

Punchline 1: If football were a language, Amrabat would be fluent in goal-scoring and post-match celebrations.

Punchline 2: And Lorsch? He just turned a backheel into a passport to glory.