Although Wydad Athletic Club failed to secure a single point against Manchester City in their FIFA Club World Cup showdown, Thembinkosi Lorch was the talk of the town following the match.
The Botola Pro League powerhouse suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Premier League giants in their Club World Cup opener on Wednesday evening.
READ | Lorch & Mailula silenced by Man City
City currently sit second in Group G, level on three points with group leaders Juventus, who demolished Al Ain FC 5-0. Meanwhile, Wydad occupies third place, with two crucial games remaining in the group stage.
As expected, South African duo Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula were named in the starting eleven against City. The Mamelodi Sundowns loanee was substituted late in the game, while Mailula only featured in the first half.
Before being taken off, Nyoso, as Lorch is affectionately known, was a constant threat, frequently troubling City’s defence and forcing goalkeeper Ederson into action.
His lively performance and ability to break through one of the world’s toughest backlines, earned him widespread praise from fans across the African continent.
Notably, popular sports statistics platform SofaScore rated the former Orlando Pirates star as the second-best player on the pitch after English player Phil Foden, further solidifying his impact in the match.
Lorch brings creativity and tactical intelligence to Wydad’s attacking line. His ability to read the game makes him a valuable asset in high-stakes encounters.
READ | Real drop points in Club World Cup opener
The 31-year-old fan-favourite attacker will be aiming to shine once again when Wydad face Italian giants Juventus in their second World Cup game on Sunday, June 22. If he maintains this form, he could be the key to unlocking Juventus' defence.
