Horoya AC’s hopes of upsetting Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals came to a crushing end on Saturday night. After holding the Moroccan side to a goalless draw in the first leg in Conakry, the Guineans traveled to Rabat with optimism, only to be handed a heavy 5-0 defeat by a relentless Wydad Casablanca (WAC) at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Wydad were in no mood to allow Horoya any opportunities. Buoyed by a passionate home crowd, the Moroccan giants imposed their rhythm and controlled the game from the outset. The first breakthrough came in the 20th minute, when Walid El Karti capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past the visiting goalkeeper, sending the stadium into a frenzy. Just ten minutes later, El Karti doubled his tally, turning the match firmly in Wydad’s favor. The Moroccans showed fluid attacking movements and deadly precision, leaving Horoya struggling to find any footing.
The scoring did not stop there. In the 34th minute, Abdellatif Noussir made it 3-0, rounding off a devastating first-half display that effectively sealed the tie. Horoya, despite their best efforts, looked overwhelmed by Wydad’s pace, coordination, and clinical finishing. By halftime, the Moroccan side had established complete dominance, and their supporters could already celebrate the likely semi-final qualification.
After the interval, Wydad continued to press, refusing to ease the intensity. Mohamed Nahiri added a fourth goal in the 59th minute, exploiting gaps in Horoya’s defense and demonstrating Wydad’s tactical discipline and sharp transitions. The Guinean side tried to respond, but the Moroccan defense remained solid and organized, denying them any real chance to mount a comeback.
As the match entered its final stages, Zouhair El Moutaraji capped off a memorable evening for Wydad with a fifth goal in the 85th minute, completing a comprehensive demolition of Horoya AC. The victory reflected Wydad’s attacking depth, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in front of a passionate home crowd.
For Horoya AC, the defeat was a bitter disappointment. The team’s hopes of making history by reaching the semi-finals ended decisively, and the Guinean side was forced to acknowledge the gap in quality and experience between themselves and one of Africa’s top clubs. Despite their elimination, Horoya’s players could take some pride in their disciplined approach during the first leg and the lessons learned from competing against an elite opponent.
Meanwhile, Wydad Casablanca celebrated a dominant performance that showcased their quality and reinforced their status as one of the continent’s strongest teams. With a complete first-leg draw followed by a resounding 5-0 victory at home, WAC now advance confidently to the semi-finals, carrying momentum and belief that they can challenge for the CAF Champions League title this season.
In summary, Wydad Casablanca’s 5-0 demolition of Horoya AC highlighted their attacking prowess, tactical intelligence, and capacity to dominate both home and away legs. Goals from Walid El Karti, Abdellatif Noussir, Mohamed Nahiri, and Zouhair El Moutaraji ensured a comprehensive victory, ending Horoya’s campaign while setting WAC up as serious contenders for the semi-finals and beyond.
