WAC, Kotoko's Opponents Exposed

Eighteen years ago, Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco was a middle of the table club. Its record did not read well. Four appearances in CAF competitions, four early exits, two suffered at the hands of Kotoko in 1987 and Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs, with over ten goals conceded, triggered widespread consternation among the public and a series of meetings.

Consequently, a locally respected coach who had tinkered with the team gave way to the German Olk Werner. With the benefit of hindsight, it was probably the best move possible in the circumstances. The team rediscovered their winning ways as Olk Werner injected a dose of discipline and patriotic zeal to the side and transformed their play from the pedestrian to the fast-paced and fluent.

The result? WAC won the African Clubs Cup in 1992.

Since 1992, WAC have been in there on another four occasions without making an impact. This year the club expect nothing less than the cup. After compatriots, Raja's superlative showing in continental competitions, three times winners of Africa Clubs Cup (1989, 1997 and 1999), the pressure is on new coach Oscar Luis Fullone, an Argentinian, to dispel ten years of under-achievement.

Exposure to modern training facilities and playing against quality opposition have made the players physically and mentally ready. "We are not afraid of any opposition. We shall do well," he told the Moroccan press when his view was sought on the impending titanic clash against Kotoko. If the results of recent matches are anything to go by, the nucleus of the squad will come from the same contingent who played against U.S. Mourad of Algeria. One player certain of making not only the squad but the starting line-up is Rabie Lafoui, a top marksman. The player, the subject of much interest among French and English top flight clubs, will form the hub of attack. Blessed with pleasing touch and the ability to go past opponents, Rabie Lafoui is the side's most influential player. Equally gifted is Comperes Kadouri. He is capable of turning the course of a game single-handedly. He possesses speed, agility and a real eye for goal. Another player worth watching is Hamid Termina. He is blessed with the ability to beat his man, a feat usually followed by unerring drive low in the net.

Behind strikers Lafoui, Kadouri and Termina roves Benchrifa who drifts wide to deliver from the flanks. Going forward, Wydad Athletic Club are potent, but it is in defence that most of the problems lie. That will prompt the coach to retain solid veteran Adil Chbouki. He is expected to bring a wealth of experience and guide the younger Adil Mouaddab and others through the game.

Unless the unexpected happens, national goalkeeper Tarik El Jarmouni will guard the post for WAC.

With the calibre of players in the team and the kind of preparations they have enjoyed, WAC will prove very difficult to beat, especially at home. And if confidence is the only ingredient required to win the encounter then the Moroccans are already there.

WAC of Morocco will appear in red and white shirts, white and red shorts and red and white socks. On some occasions, they put on blue or violet shorts.

Past Winners

1975 Tonnerre (Cameroun)

1976 IICC (Nigeria)

1977 Rangers Int. (Nigeria)

1978 Horoya (Guinea)

1979 Canon Sportif (Cam.)

1980 T.P. Mazembe (DR Congo)

1981 Union Douala (Cam.)

1982 Arab Contractors (Egypt)

1983 Arab Contractors (Egypt)

1984 El Ahly (Egypt)

1985 "

1986 "

1987 Gor Mahia (Kenya)

1988 C.A. Bizerte (Tunisia)

1989 El Merriekh, (Sudan)

1990 BCC Lions (Niger)

1991 Power Dynamos (Zam.)

1992 Africa Sports (C. Ivoire)

1993 El Ahly (Egypt)

1994 Motema Pembe (DRC)

1995 J.S. Kabylie (Algeria)

1996 Arab Contractors (Egypt)

2001 Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)