Wydad AC claimed their third CAF Champions League title after securing a 2-0 victory over holders Al Ahly in front of a home crowd at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The Morocco outfit, who entered the match as the less fancied of the two sides, were lifted to victory by a double from winger Zouhair El Moutaraji.
Al Ahly, who were seeking to defend their crown after victory in the same stadium last July against Kaizer Chiefs, were chasing a record-extending 11th title in the competition.
But they were unable to find a response to Wydad’s opener on the quarter-hour mark, and struggled to find a goal of their own despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
El Moutaraji’s second shortly after the half-time interval effectively took the game away from Al Ahly, and a late red card for defender Ramy Rabia sealed defeat on the road.
Though Wydad would typically qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup with victory, they will be forced to wait to discover if and when they will compete, with the tournament currently undated and in logistical limbo.
Al-Ahly, the two-time defending champions missed a hat-trick and failed to respond, despite a chance from Taher Mohamed (35th) or a shot from Mohamed “Afsha” Magdy that was blocked by Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
The Moroccan goalkeeper was again decisive in front of Mohamed Sherif (82nd), from close range, making the boiling WAC crowd explode with joy.
This is the first triumph for coach Walid Regragui (46), who has played in Ligue 1, including Toulouse and AC Ajaccio. He defeated the South African coach of Al-Ahly, Pitso Mosiman, winner of the last two editions and of the C1 2016 with Mamelodi Sundowns, the Pretoria club.
