Benhashem: 'We Decided Ziyech Would Not Play Maniema Match for Precautionary Reasons' - Elbotola
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Benhashem: 'We Decided Ziyech Would Not Play Maniema Match for Precautionary Reasons'

Benhashem: 'We Decided Ziyech Would Not Play Maniema Match for Precautionary Reasons'

31 January 2026at22:19

Amin Benhashem, coach of Wydad AC, revealed the reason for not including Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech in the squad traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo to face Maniema Union in the fourth round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Benhashem stated during the pre-match press conference: "Hakim Ziyech recently returned to competitive play after a year since his last official match. Therefore, we designed a training program for him to integrate smoothly with the squad. In the last game, he played 70 minutes."

The coach added: "Based on these circumstances and the fact that the match will be played on an artificial pitch, we decided not to involve him as a precautionary measure, leaving him in Morocco to prepare for the upcoming game."

Wydad will visit Maniema Union tomorrow, Sunday (14:00 GMT+1). The Congolese side lost the first leg 1-0 to Wydad in a match held at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca last weekend.

Why is Hakim Ziyech not playing for Wydad AC against Maniema Union?

Wydad coach Amin Benhashem confirmed Ziyech's absence is a precautionary measure, citing his recent return to play after a year and the upcoming match being on an artificial pitch.

What is the context of the Wydad AC vs Maniema Union match?

Wydad AC is set to visit Maniema Union in the fourth round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Wydad previously defeated Maniema Union 1-0 in the first leg.
Hakim Ziyech
Wydad Casablanca
Maniema Union
CAF Confederation Cup

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