Wydad starman Ziyech sidelined, ahead of Confederations Cup showdown with Maniema

By Mishael Emmanuel 

  

 

Wydad AC will make the trip to DR Congo for their Caf Confederation Cup group stage encounter against AS Maniema without star man Hakim Ziyech, after the Moroccan club decided to leave the playmaker out of the travelling squad as a precaution.

The decision, confirmed on the eve of the fixture, is understood to be linked to concerns over the playing surface at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. 

With sunny and dry conditions expected on matchday, Wydad’s technical crew were reluctant to risk Ziyech on a pitch they fear may not be in ideal condition.

Ziyech, one of the biggest names in African football and a key creative outlet for the Red Castle, has been carefully managed since his return, and the club appears keen to avoid any unnecessary setbacks at this stage of the competition.

Sources close to the team suggest the exclusion is not injury-related, but purely a preventative measure.

Wydad will now rely on their depth and experience as they seek a positive result away from home against an AS Maniema side known for making life difficult for visiting teams in continental competition.

Despite Ziyech’s absence, the Moroccan giants remain confident of their chances as they continue their push for progression from the group.

The clash in Lubumbashi is expected to be fiercely contested, with Wydad aiming to prove they can navigate tough African away days—even without their marquee name.