Wydad Casablanca (WAC) enter the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final full of optimism after securing a valuable 0–0 draw away to Guinean side Horoya last Saturday. The stalemate in Conakry has placed the Moroccan giants in a favorable position: a win at home will be enough to ensure their progression to the semi-finals.
The Red Devils, champions of the 2017 edition, are eager to continue their continental campaign, but they are well aware that nothing is guaranteed. Horoya, known for their physicality and resilience, will be determined to overturn the tie and create one of the tournament’s notable upsets. Despite the goalless draw giving Wydad a psychological edge, the Guinean side are expected to enter the match with high intensity, fully aware that a single goal could shift the balance.
For Wydad, the focus will be on maintaining defensive solidity while taking advantage of the home environment. Moussa Ndaw, the Senegalese assistant coach to Faouzi Benzarti, highlighted the importance of home support ahead of the fixture. “Our qualification is a given after the draw in Guinea. We simply need to win; for us, the 0–0 is a valuable result since we didn’t concede a goal in Conakry,” Ndaw said. “So it’s a new round that begins; we need to be solid, calm, and focused. The advantage for us is playing at home; it’s a real asset because our supporters give us strength—they will push us towards victory.”
Wydad’s approach to the match will combine tactical discipline with measured attacking ambition. The coaching staff are focused on preventing Horoya from exploiting counter-attacks while applying pressure to break down the Guinean defense. Ndaw emphasized that the team must pay close attention to Horoya’s key players, particularly their forwards and midfield orchestrators, who could create dangerous opportunities if left unchecked.
“The coach said that it’s a new competition that’s starting, even if the hardest part is still ahead. Not conceding goals with a solid defense, being attentive. We’ll be keeping an eye on Razak, Mandela, but especially on the compact midfield. Qualification absolutely requires a victory against Horoya,” Ndaw added, underlining Benzarti’s message that the first-leg draw is just the beginning.
Wydad will also rely on the cohesion and readiness of their entire squad. Every player is expected to contribute to both defensive stability and attacking efficiency, ensuring that the team maintains its composure while seeking the decisive goal. With the support of their passionate fans at the Moulay Abdellah Complex, the Moroccan side aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the match, forcing Horoya to defend and take risks.
As the second leg approaches, the stage is set for a compelling clash. Wydad Casablanca’s combination of experience, tactical organization, and home advantage gives them the tools to secure qualification, but they must remain focused, disciplined, and sharp. For Horoya, the challenge is clear: break through a resilient defense and turn the tie on its head. Fans can expect an intense, high-stakes encounter that could shape the path to the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
