Wydad Casablanca wrapped up their Club World Cup journey with a narrow 2-1 loss to Al Ain at Audi Field in Washington on Thursday, concluding a disappointing tournament in which they failed to register a single point in Group G.
The Moroccan champions made a dream start when Cassius Mailula found the net just four minutes in.
The South African forward capitalized on a flowing move that began with a long ball from Nordin Amrabat to Omar Al Somah, whose perfectly timed cross was expertly finished by Mailula into the top corner beyond Rui Patricio.
Wydad threatened to extend their lead midway through the first half, with Ayoub Boucheta rattling the crossbar with a thunderous strike.
However, the tide began to shift as Al Ain grew into the match.
Their pressure was rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time. After a VAR review, Canadian referee Drew Fischer pointed to the spot, ruling that Boucheta had fouled Adis Jasic inside the box.
Skipper Kodjo Laba coolly slotted home the equalizer, sending goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid the wrong way.
The Emirati side completed the turnaround just five minutes into the second half.
Paraguayan midfielder Alejandro “Kaku” Romero struck the winner with a composed finish, sealing Al Ain’s first win of the tournament.
However, the result had little impact, as both sides were already out of contention before the final group-stage clash.
For Wydad, it was a frustrating end to their campaign, despite moments of promise in their attacking play.