Thembinkosi Lorch may spark Bafana recall after impressing for Wydad against Manchester City in Club World Cup
Manchester City's Vitor Reis tries to get the ball off Wydad Casablanca's Thembinkosi Lorch (right). Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Thembinkosi Lorch continued his resurgence with another eye-catching display for Wydad Athletic Club, even as the Moroccan giants fell 2-0 to Manchester City in their opening Fifa Club World Cup fixture on Wednesday night.
Facing the former English champions in their group-stage opener, Wydad were always in for a tough night, but the 31-year-old South African winger emerged as one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise frustrating outing.
The former Orlando Pirates star looked lively from the outset, offering an attacking threat both wide and on the inside, and remained one of Wydad's more consistent outlets throughout the 90 minutes.
The result leaves Wydad with plenty to do in their remaining group-stage fixture if they are to keep their tournament hopes alive, but Lorch's individual performance gave South African fans reason to be optimistic.
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In contrast, fellow countryman Cassius Mailula endured a more difficult evening.
Starting upfront as the focal point of Wydad's attack, the young forward struggled to influence proceedings, largely due to a lack of service.
He was withdrawn at halftime as the technical team sought to spark a second-half comeback.
City, despite fielding a rotated side without several key players, showed their pedigree early.
Phil Foden opened the scoring within two minutes – one of the fastest goals in Club World Cup history – capitalising on a lapse in Wydad's defensive shape.
Just before halftime, Jeremy Doku's quick feet carved open the Moroccan defence again, with City doubling their lead and effectively killing off the contest before the interval.
To Wydad's credit, they refused to sit back. They pressed high and tried to assert their style, but their energy lacked end-product.
Moments of promise often faded without the clinical final ball, and City's composure and control ensured the result never truly looked in doubt.
Still, the 31-year-old Lorch remained a threat, particularly in the first half.
His touches were purposeful, his runs intelligent, and his confidence increasingly evident – a far cry from the player who had struggled for game-time at Mamelodi Sundowns just months ago.
His loan move to Wydad has breathed new life into his career.
Under the initial guidance of Rulani Mokwena and now Amine Benhachem, he has grown in influence and consistency, rediscovering the form that once made him a stand-out for Pirates and a regular in the national team set-up.
A lot of credit must go to Mokwena, who showed faith in the former Pirates player and took him along during his initial stint with the Moroccan giants.
Even in Mokwena's absence, the quality in the player continues to shine through, and he could once again become a key figure even in the national team.
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