Stéphane Aziz Ki has endured a frustrating introduction to Wydad Casablanca, managing just two brief substitute appearances totalling less than ten minutes during the team’s early exits from the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Burkinabé international, signed from Young Africans earlier this year and formerly of ASEC Abidjan, has yet to secure meaningful playing time under coach Walid Regragui.
Wydad’s tournament opener on 18 June against Manchester City offered little opportunity for the midfielder to influence proceedings.
With the result already sealed at 2–0, Ki was introduced in the 84th minute, replacing Thembinkosi Lorch, and concluded the match with only six minutes on the field, including stoppage time.
Ki’s next chance came against Juventus in the tournament’s second fixture. Wydad found themselves trailing 3–1 when he entered the fray in the 87th minute.
Despite the late substitution, the team suffered another defeat, this time 4–1, with Ki again featuring for barely a handful of minutes.
Expectations had been high for Ki’s move to Wydad, with many anticipating that his composure, vision, and international experience would bring balance to the midfield.
However, his limited minutes in the first two matches have raised concerns about the club’s utilisation of their new signing.
With Wydad now mathematically eliminated following back-to-back losses, Ki’s Club World Cup journey will end without a genuine chance to showcase his abilities.
The Burkinabé midfielder’s current predicament, arriving as a potential asset yet seeing minimal action, casts doubt over the immediate success of his transfer.
As Wydad prepare to conclude their participation in the tournament, focus will shift back to domestic and continental campaigns, where Ki must quickly establish himself and earn the confidence of the technical staff.
The pressure now lies on both player and club to realign expectations and ensure the 2025 season does not become a missed opportunity for one of West Africa’s most promising midfielders.
Stephane Aziz Ki 🤝 Thembinkosi Lorch!! Master Ki 😅🔥pic.twitter.com/jcDVrDPR5b
— richardfutbal (@richardfutbal) June 18, 2025
