Wydad Fall to ASEC Mimosas and Put Quarterfinal Hopes at Risk
Wydad Casablanca missed an important opportunity to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after suffering a 2-0 defeat away to ASEC Mimosas on Saturday. Still harboring slim hopes of advancing, the Ivorian side made the most of their chance in front of their home fans.
After a tightly contested first half, ASEC Mimosas raised their level in the final half-hour and were rewarded for their persistence. Burkina Faso international Ahmed Touré proved decisive, scoring twice to seal a crucial victory for the Abidjan-based club. He opened the scoring in the 68th minute before completing his brace deep into stoppage time in the 90th minute.
This win breathes new life into ASEC Mimosas’ qualification ambitions. With seven points from the group, the Ivorians are now level with Wydad, setting up a tense final round of matches. The result also highlights Wydad’s struggles away from home, as the Moroccan champions were unable to respond once they fell behind.
Despite the setback, Wydad’s fate remains in their own hands. The Casablanca side will need to secure a positive result in their final group match against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals. However, the task will be anything but easy against a well-organized Sundowns team with strong continental experience.
For ASEC Mimosas, the victory keeps their hopes alive, but qualification will depend on the outcome of the final group fixtures. Encouraged by Ahmed Touré’s clinical performance, the Ivorians will look to build on this momentum and push for a place among Africa’s last eight.
The final matchday promises high tension, with qualification still undecided and little room for error for all teams involved.
