Wydad Athletic Club duo Nordin Amrabat and Hakim Ziyech travelled to Amsterdam shortly after the Red Castle side’s narrow victory over Nairobi United, as preparations intensify for the decisive African Confederation Cup encounter against Azam of Tanzania.
The two players were granted official permission by head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem to attend to personal matters during the short break awarded to the squad following the match.
Wydad secured a hard-earned 1-0 win away in Kenya, a result that proved vital after a disappointing outcome in the previous round. The victory came late in the game and was shaped by Benhachem’s substitutions, with Walid Nassi providing the assist for substitute Wissam Ben Yedder, who netted his first goal for the club to clinch all three points.
A well-informed source stressed that Ziyech continues to show full commitment to the Wydad project, highlighting his consistent presence at training sessions and his positive involvement throughout the team’s preparations. According to the same source, the Moroccan international has travelled with the squad to demanding venues and remains fully aligned with the technical staff’s instructions, firmly dismissing rumours of personal or financial problems behind his absence from certain matches.
Reports suggesting financial disputes between Ziyech and the club’s management were also categorically denied, with those claims described as unfounded speculation. It was underlined that relations between the player and Wydad are proceeding in a professional and respectful atmosphere.
Coach Benhachem further clarified the situation, explaining that Ziyech’s non-involvement in the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo representatives was based solely on technical and physical considerations. He pointed to the player’s late return to competitive football and concerns over the risk of injury on an artificial surface, describing the decision as a precaution taken in the best interests of both the team and the player. He concluded by describing Ziyech as a “very important element” in the Wydad setup.
Amrabat and Ziyech are expected to rejoin full training on Thursday as Wydad begin final preparations for Sunday’s showdown with Azam at the Mohammed V Stadium. The match, scheduled for February 15, will decide the final standings in Group B and shape the club’s path in the continental competition.
Following the win in Nairobi, Wydad moved to the top of the group with 12 points, ahead of Maniema Union on nine points, who edge Azam on goal difference. Nairobi United remain bottom without a point. The upcoming clash against the Tanzanian side is now pivotal as the Red Devils aim to secure first place and strengthen their ambitions of going deep in the tournament.
