Morocco: Wydad to count on Soufiane Hilti after FIFA clearance

Wydad Athletic Club have received a boost ahead of their second-round Botola Pro clash with Difaa El Jadida after Soufiane Hilti was cleared to make his debut for the Moroccan giants.

The Red Team received the player’s international transfer certificate on Monday, making him eligible to feature in Saturday’s meeting with Difaa El Jadida at the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.

Hilti had missed Wydad’s opening league fixture against newly promoted Wydad Temara because the necessary international transfer clearance had not been completed.

Wydad seek response after shock defeat

The availability of Hilti comes at a crucial time for Wydad after they suffered a heavy defeat in their opening match of the new Moroccan top-flight campaign.

Wydad Temara, who have just been promoted to the top division, stunned their more established opponents with a 3-1 victory at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca last Saturday.

The result means Portuguese coach Sergio Paulo will be looking for a response from his side when they travel to face Difaa El Jadida.

Hilti available for Sergio Paulo

With the international transfer certificate now received, Sergio Paulo has been given the green light to select Hilti for the second-round encounter.

The winger’s availability provides the Wydad coach with another option as he seeks to strengthen his team following the disappointing opening-day result.

Wydad will travel to El Jadida on Saturday hoping to put the defeat by Wydad Temara behind them and secure their first points of the new Botola Pro season.