Cassius Mailula strikes as Wydad AC leave FIFA Club World Cup without a win after defeat to Al Ain

Wydad AC left the FIFA Club World Cup tournament without a win after going down 2-1 to Al Ain in their last Group G match at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

Cassius Mailula scored the opener, but Wydad capitulated later to concede the defeat that leaves them winless as they exit the competition at the preliminary stage.

The South African needed just four minutes to strike. He was played through by Mohammed Moufid, and the Mzansi forward shot from inside the box into the right side of the net to give Wydad the lead.

Wydad came close to doubling their lead, but Ayoub Boucheta, who gathered the ball inside the box, was denied by the crossbar in the 21st minute.

Al Ain had their penalty appeal dismissed in the 25th minute when Soufiane Rahimi went down under some challenge from his opponent. The referee, however, did not entertain the protests by Al Ain players.

The United Arab Emirates outfit thought they had equalised in the 35th minute, but Kodjo Laba's goal was ruled out for offside.

Ten minutes after their penalty call was dismissed, Al Ain were awarded a spot kick. Adis Jasic was brought down, and after a lengthy VAR assessment, the referee awarded them a penalty, which was converted by Laba.

Al Ain went ahead in the 51st minute when Kaku scored with a first-time shot that the goalkeeper had little chance of stopping. Their celebration was paused, though, as the goal was subjected to a VAR assessment.

The referee eventually decided the goal would stand, and the Al Ain players completed their celebrations.

Wydad AC are leaving the competition without a win and sitting at the bottom of Group G.

After struggling in their domestic competitions, the Club World Cup was the perfect stage for the Moroccan giants to show the world that indeed they are still a competitive outfit. However, they have failed to do so as they leave with three defeats.

Mailula's goal should be a morale-boosting occasion for him as he tries to show head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem that he is ready and capable of helping the African giants.

Meanwhile, his teammate, Thembinkosi Lorch, has been particularly outstanding for the Moroccan giants. During the opening game, he caused problems for Manchester City, although they lost.

Against Juventus, the former Orlando Pirates forward scored as they conceded another defeat. Now, focus turns to his future; since he is on loan, eyes will be keen to see whether he will return to Mamelodi Sundowns or he will remain in the north with Wydad.