Amrabat strikes as Wydad sink Azam to stay top of Group B

Wydad Athletic Club made it two wins from two in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a hard-earned 1–0 victory away to Azam FC in Zanzibar, a result that keeps the Moroccan giants top of Group B.

Nordin Amrabat settled a tight contest on 57 minutes, guiding home the game’s only goal after Wydad turned up the pressure early in the second half.

It was a moment of veteran composure in a match largely defined by organisation and fine margins.

The first half produced few clear chances as both sides cancelled each other out. Azam, determined to respond after defeat on Matchday 1, pressed eagerly and looked to work the flanks, but Wydad’s back line held shape and protected goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s understudy efficiently, limiting the Tanzanian hosts to efforts from distance.

Wydad returned from the interval with greater purpose. Their tempo lifted, passes into the half-spaces found runners more frequently, and the visitors began to pin Azam deep. The breakthrough arrived when Amrabat arrived on cue to finish a crisp move—his experience showing in the timing and execution.

Chasing an equaliser, Azam pushed numbers forward in the final 20 minutes and asked serious questions from set plays. Yet Wydad’s centre-backs dealt decisively with aerial traffic, while the midfield screen closed lanes for cut-backs and second balls.

In the closing stages, the visitors managed the game maturely, slowing the pace and keeping possession inside Azam’s half to see out the points.

The win moves Wydad to a perfect six points from two matches and underlines their status as early group favourites. Azam remain without a point after back-to-back defeats, with work to do if they are to revive their quarter-final hopes.

Group B continues this weekend with Nairobi United hosting Maniema Union, a fixture that will shape the early chase behind the leaders. On this evidence, though, Wydad’s blend of nous and control travels well.