Wydad Casablanca kicked off their preparations for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in emphatic fashion, cruising to a dominant 7-0 victory over Canadian outfit Saint-Laurent in a friendly match held in Washington.
Samuel Opoku Obeng was the star of the show, netting a superb hat-trick. He was joined on the scoresheet by Aziz Khi, Suleiman Mualimo, Mohamed Rayhi, and Osama Zamraoui in what turned out to be a one-sided affair.
While the opposition posed little threat, the commanding performance will provide a timely confidence boost for Wydad as they gear up for a daunting group stage campaign.
The Moroccan giants are set to face a formidable opening challenge against European champions Manchester City on June 18, followed by clashes with Juventus and Al Ain later in the month.
Wydad head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem is under no illusions about the task ahead:
“We’re not here to admire the big clubs. Wydad has a proud history, and we’re here to defend it,” he told reporters. “Manchester City and Juventus are big names, yes, but football is played on the pitch, not in trophy cabinets.”
The squad is currently in a closed training camp in Maryland, with most players already in the United States.
Syrian striker Omar Al Soma is expected to join the team shortly, while new Brazilian signing Guilherme Ferreira is following an individual fitness programme.
This match was Wydad’s only friendly ahead of the tournament, but the result serves as a confidence booster.
“Why not dream?” Benhachem asked. Given Morocco’s recent footballing successes, it’s a dream worth chasing.
Wydad begin their Club World Cup journey on Wednesday, June 18, at Lincoln Financial Field against Manchester City.
