By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 14:30 EDT, 18 June 2025 | Updated: 14:30 EDT, 18 June 2025
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Phil Foden scored two minutes into the match and later had an assist to lead Premier League powerhouse Manchester City past Moroccan club Wydad 2-0 in the Club World Cup on Wednesday.
City broke Wydad's five-man defensive line early when Foden scored on a deflected cross by goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid.
Jeremy Doku doubled City's lead in the 42nd minute off a corner kick from Foden. Shortly thereafter, an animal-rights activist ran onto the field to protest Morocco's treatment of stray dogs and cats. The man was tackled by security workers and escorted out of Lincoln Financial Field, which was just over half full with 37,446 fans in attendance.
There was another brief stoppage in the second half after a Wydad supporter threw a flare behind City´s goal.
In the 88th minute, Rico Lewis was shown a red card after a hard foul on Samuel Obeng, leaving City with 10 men on the field.
City summer signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders made their debuts as starters. The club's other new signing, defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, did not play.
Manchester City players celebrate opening goal by Phil Foden, center, during the Club World Cup group G soccer match between Manchester City and Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Doku's strike at the far post put the game away.
Manchester City leads Group G and will face Al-Ain on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Wydad remains in Philadelphia, where it will face another tough opponent in Juventus.
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Manchester City players secelbaret after a goal during the Club World Cup group G soccer match between Manchester City and Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
A protester runs on the pitch during the Club World Cup group G soccer match between Manchester City and Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
A pitch invader is taken down by security during the Club World Cup group G soccer match between Manchester City and Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Wydad's supporters light torches during the Club World Cup group G soccer match between Manchester City and Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)