WATCH: Rhulani Mokwena's Wydad Athletic Club suffer shock defeat to lower division side Kawkab Marrakech in Excellence Cup

Rhulani Mokwena’s Wydad Athletic Club were defeated by Botola Pro Two side Kawkab Marrakech in an Excellence Cup match, losing 2-0 at the Stade Municipal Ben Guerir Stadium on Saturday.

Mokwena chose not to field most of his regular players, including Bafana Bafana international Cassius Mailula and on-form forward Mohamed Rayhi, amongst others.

This is because clubs participating in the Excellence Cup are required to register at least ten under-23 players on the match squad and to play at least six throughout the match.

Goals from Younes Al-Bahrawi and Taha Ashbili earned the team nicknamed Planet the win over the Botola Pro League heavyweights.

The loss away from home left Wydad in second place in Group 5 standings with seven points from five matches, while Marrakech tops the table with 13 points.

Heading into the match, the three-time Caf Champions League victors had won three league games in a row, indicating that Mokwena's team was on the right track. 

Mokwena and his troops will turn their attention to the Botola Pro League where they are on a three-match winning run.

Wydad will play host to Hassania Agadir on February 9.