Manchester City began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, thanks to a goal and assist from Phil Foden.
Although the Premier League only ended last month, it felt like a fresh start for City. Manager Pep Guardiola gave debuts to new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. Foden also looked eager to bounce back from a disappointing season, scoring in just the second minute. He reacted quickest to a rebound after El Mehdi Benabid’s save, netting his first City goal since January.
To be fair to Wydad, they responded well and nearly equalised just after the half-hour mark. Thembinkosi Lorch took advantage of a mistake by Vitor Reis and broke through on goal, but slipped and passed to Cassius Mailula, whose shot was saved by City keeper Ederson.
City doubled their lead before half-time when Jérémy Doku finished off a deep corner from Foden. Doku, who hadn’t scored in five months, had another chance early in the second half after winning the ball, but couldn’t beat Benabid.
That was Doku’s last big moment before he was subbed off along with two others, making way for Oscar Bobb, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. Haaland came close to scoring with a powerful shot just over the bar, as City pushed for a third goal.
However, their good performance was slightly spoiled when Rico Lewis was sent off with a straight red card for a high challenge on Samuel Obeng. Even with ten men, City held on to keep their perfect defensive record in the Club World Cup intact.
