Wydad Athletic Club faces a significant challenge in its anticipated match today, Sunday, against Raja Beni Mellal in the round of 32 of the Throne Cup, due to six key absences in the Wydad squad.
These absences put coach Mohamed Benchrifa in a difficult position to find suitable replacements to ensure victory and advancement to the next round of the prestigious cup competition.
The list of absences includes several main players from Wydad. Brazilian Guillermo Ferreira is out due to a torn ACL, an injury he sustained during the match against MC Oujda.
The coach also preferred to rest Hakim Ziyech, while Walid Sbabar and Abdelali El Mohammedi are absent due to physical unfitness. Additionally, the Bolivian Ramiro Vaca suffers from some pain, and fellow countryman Moses Banegua is absent due to a technical decision by the coach.
These multiple absences could affect the team’s tactical balance and may require changes in the starting lineup and tactical plans.
Despite Wydad’s absences, the team welcomes the good news of the return of Nabil Khali and the Dutch player Bart Maizer, who missed the last derby match.
This return may strengthen the coach’s options in some positions and provide partial solutions to the problems caused by injuries and rests.
It is worth noting that the match between Wydad and Raja Beni Mellal will be held at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, after Raja Beni Mellal was forced to host Wydad there due to their stadium not meeting the standards required by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for hosting Throne Cup matches.
