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‘Yanga’s’ Aziz Ki to feature for Wydad against Manchester City in FIFA Club World Cup
What you need to know:
- Aziz Ki joined Yanga on 15 July 2022 from Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. Since his arrival at the Jangwani-based outfit, the midfielder has been a central figure in the team’s success, lauded for his vision, precise passing and knack for scoring vital goals.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans SC (Yanga) playmaker Stephane Aziz Ki is set to make his debut for Moroccan side Wydad Club Athletic in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face English Premier League champions Manchester City.
The tournament, organised by football’s world governing body FIFA, will be held in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the Burkinabe international’s career.
Aziz Ki joined Yanga on 15 July 2022 from Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. Since his arrival at the Jangwani-based outfit, the midfielder has been a central figure in the team’s success, lauded for his vision, precise passing and knack for scoring vital goals.
His final appearance in Yanga colours came last Sunday during the CRDB Federation Cup semi-final against JKT Tanzania at Tanga’s Mkwakwani Stadium, where Yanga secured a 2-0 victory to book their place in the final.
Although Aziz Ki had one year remaining on his contract, both parties agreed to an early termination to facilitate his move to Wydad ahead of the prestigious global competition.
A senior Yanga official told The Citizen that Wydad’s technical bench was keen to have the player report to camp immediately in preparation for the crucial encounter against Manchester City. Transfer formalities were completed shortly after the Federation Cup semi-final, allowing the midfielder to depart for North Africa.
Aziz Ki’s move is regarded as a strategic acquisition by the Casablanca-based club as they brace for stern tests in Group G of the tournament, which features UEFA Champions League holders Manchester City, UAE’s Al Ain FC, and Italian giants Juventus.
In addition to Aziz Ki, Wydad’s squad also includes Tanzanian striker Seleman Mwalimu, who recently joined from Fountain Gate FC. The presence of two East African players in Wydad’s ranks is seen as a positive reflection of the region’s growing prominence on the international football stage.
Wydad will kick off their campaign against Manchester City before facing Juventus on 22 June and concluding their group stage matches against Al Ain FC on 26 June.
For Aziz Ki, the tournament presents an opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage and potentially attract interest from top-tier European clubs.
Yanga fans have expressed mixed emotions—saddened by the departure of one of their most iconic players but proud of his advancement to international competition.
