By Victor Kanayo
The relationship between Coach Adel Ramzi and Wydad Casablanca ended on Saturday after the club sacked him for poor start in this season’s CAF Champions League campaign.
This was disclosed by the club in a statement which partly reads, “Wydad Sports Club, headed by Saeed Nassiri, announces that it has parted with coach Adel Ramzi by mutual consent.
“The executive office of the club and all its members, especially its fans, extend their sincere thanks to Coach Ramzi for everything he has done, and his keenness to lead the football team with sincerity and effort.”
Ramzi exits after Wydad picked up just one win from their opening three group matches to sit third in Group B.
Replacement Confirmed
Already, the sacked coach has been replaced immediately by Faouzi Benzarti, the veteran Tunisian taking charge for a fourth spell at Wydad.
Benzarti previously led the club to league and CAF Super Cup glory during his time in Casablanca.
Acid Test
His first test comes on Tuesday away to Tanzanian side Simba SC as Wydad look to resurrect their Champions League hopes.
The Moroccan heavyweights currently trail Group B leaders ASEC Mimosas by four points at the halfway stage.
Benzarti will hope to quickly steer last season’s Champions League runners-up back on course to qualify for the knockout phase.
But their poor continental form has mirrored struggles domestically too, with Wydad fourth in the Moroccan top flight.
Confederation Cup Combo
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s remaining representative at the club continental engagements Rivers United, are heading to Tunis, Tunisia, ahead of their Confederation Cup group tie against Club Africain.
According to their travelling schedule, the team will depart Lagos via EgyptAir flight on Sunday evening and will arrive Tunis later on Monday.
Matchday 4 Clash
The Nigerian club will confront Club Africain in Group C matchday four game at the Stade de Rades on Wednesday December 20, 2023.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm local time.
United claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Club Africain on Sunday December 10, 2023 in a matchday three encounter between the two teams at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
