Match Summary
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4′ – Wydad struck early as Cassius Mailula, unmarked at the near post, slotted home a fierce half-volley from Mohamed Moufid’s delivery.
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45+1′ – Just before the break, Wydad’s Ayoub Boucheta fouled in the box; VAR intervened, awarding a penalty. Kodjo Laba calmly converted to level for Al Ain.
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50′ – Paraguayan playmaker Kaku curled a precise shot into the top-right corner to give Al Ain the lead. VAR had again reviewed the play leading up to the goal, confirming its validity amid a foul that forced Wydad’s center-back Jamal Harkass off injured.
Conditions & Context
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The match attendance was around 10,785, filled with passionate Wydad fans who rivaled the heat in energy.
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Temperatures soared into the 90s °F (~30s °C), drawing criticism about field conditions and player safety, echoing comments from other tournament fixtures.
Tactical & Player Insights
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Cassius Mailula turned hero early, while Kaku stood out with his composed finish to seal the win.
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VAR played a crucial role—both Al Ain goals were legitimized upon review, underlining technology’s impact.
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Wydad, under temporary head coach and on-crutches Mohamed Amine Benhachem, showed fight early but faded as the game wore on.
Final Notes & Standings
| Team | Pld | W–D–L | GF–GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 3 | 3–0–0 | 14–1 | 9 |
| Juventus | 3 | 2–0–1 | 14–2 | 6 |
| Al Ain | 3 | 1–0–2 | 3–12 | 3 |
| Wydad AC | 3 | 0–0–3 | 2–10 | 0 |
Al Ain finishes 3rd with 3 points; Wydad leaves with none and exits the tournament.
Al Ain’s Kaku:
“I think it's a good experience… This is good for Al Ain.”
Cassius Mailula (Wydad):
“It was a great experience… to learn and take lessons to grow.”
Al Ain claims a morale-boosting win but bows out with a -10 goal differential—experience gained against elite European competition.
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Wydad, despite a goalless campaign, showcased fighting spirit and will leverage lessons from facing Manchester City and Juventus.
As Group G’s heavyweight contenders progress, Wydad and Al Ain conclude their compact journey, heading home with valuable insights and memories from the U.S. hosts.
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