Resurgence of Hakim Ziyech Sparks Wydad Casablanca's Victory
On May 7, 2026, Wydad Casablanca found a much-needed victory, thanks to the stellar performance of Hakim Ziyech, who scored two crucial goals against COD Meknès, leading his team to a 2-0 win. This victory was particularly significant as the club had been enduring a tough period, going two months without a win and facing a streak of eight matches without securing a single victory. Ziyech, who had faced criticism from his own supporters following a disappointing match against Union Sportive Yacoub El Mansour, emerged as the team's savior in this critical encounter during the 19th round of Botola. He kicked off the scoring with a powerful long-range free-kick in the 23rd minute, followed by a penalty conversion just before halftime, awarded due to a foul on Hamza Hannouri. By the time he was substituted for Nordin Amrabat in the 60th minute, Ziyech had recorded three goals and two assists in ten appearances this season.
This victory momentarily places Wydad Casablanca in the fourth position of the league table, providing a crucial respite to a club currently beset by internal turmoil, including the recent resignation of president Hicham Aït Menna and the firing of two coaches in a span of just 37 days. Although Ziyech has stepped up to help quell the unrest within the club, his international future remains uncertain. Despite his impressive record of 64 caps and 25 goals for the Moroccan national team, there are lingering doubts regarding his selection for the upcoming World Cup, raising questions among fans and analysts alike about his ongoing relevance in the international arena.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding Ziyech
In addition to his on-field exploits, Ziyech has faced scrutiny for his performance with Wydad Casablanca, leading to a sarcastic response directed at former international Zakaria Hadraf, which has divided fan opinion. While some supporters rally behind Ziyech, others express concern about his inconsistency. Amid speculation of tensions between Ziyech and coach Patrice Carteron, the latter has publicly denied any discord, attributing Ziyech's recent late substitution against KACM Marrakech solely to fitness issues rather than any personal conflicts. Moreover, Ziyech has sought to quell doubts regarding his commitment to the team by sharing a photo of his return to training after an unexplained absence, signaling his readiness to contribute to the upcoming league matches.
Despite dealing with injuries, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him during a crucial match in the African Confederation Cup, Ziyech's leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed. Coach Amine Benhachem praised him as a key driving force within the squad, highlighting his importance beyond mere statistics. As Wydad Casablanca navigates through challenging times, Ziyech's presence remains pivotal as the team looks to stabilize and regain its competitive edge in the league.
As reported by bladi.net.
