Wydad sweep aside debutants Nairobi United to open Group B with statement win
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Wydad Casablanca began their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group campaign in ruthless fashion on Sunday, beating debutants Nairobi United 3–0 at Stade Mohammed V to go top of Group B on goal difference ahead of AS Maniema Union, who earlier defeated Azam FC 2–0.
The Moroccan giants were in front inside three minutes. Ayoub Boucheta ghosted into the box to steer home after fine approach play down the right, settling any early nerves and pinning the Kenyan visitors back.
Wydad controlled tempo thereafter and doubled their lead just before the interval when Mohamed Bouchouari arrived from deep to finish a flowing move on 44 minutes, giving the hosts a deserved 2–0 cushion at half-time.
Nairobi United, making their first appearance in a CAF group stage, offered greater resistance after the break and introduced fresh legs just past the hour to chase a route back.
They struggled, however, to turn territory into chances, with the home back line largely untroubled. A yellow card for Boniface Mzee on 72 minutes underlined a frustrating evening for the visitors, who kept working but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Wydad’s control never really loosened and the result was sealed four minutes from time. Substitute Mohamed Rayhi clipped in the third on 86 minutes, finishing a neat exchange that began with a slick pass from Walid Sabbar, to underline the gulf on the night and bank three early points.
The victory places Wydad in command of Group B after Matchday 1, with a superior goal difference to Maniema Union.
Elsewhere on opening weekend, Zamalek edged ZESCO United 1–0 thanks to Seifeddine Jaziri’s neat finish on 42 minutes.
In Group A, USM Alger outlasted San Pedro 3–2 with goals from Houssem Ghacha, Adem Alilet and Saadi Radouani, while the Ivorians replied through Dramane Kamagate and Mouhammadou Karamoko.
