Mailula elated to score for Wydad AC at FIFA Club World Cup

South African forward Cassius Mailula has expressed his delight at scoring for Wydad AC in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

Leading the line for the North African side during their final game of the group campaign against Al Ain, Mailula opened the scoring within five minutes, hitting a right-footed rocket into the top corner.

However, the goal was not enough to secure Wydad’s victory. Al Ain replied through Togolese forward Kodjo Laba, who converted from the penalty spot before Alejandro Romero confirmed their 2-1 victory.

Mailula, who is on loan at Wydad from Major League Soccer (MLS) club Toronto FC, has discussed the experience he has gained from the tournament, where no African team managed to qualify for the knockout stage.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Esperance also represented Africa.

“It’s amazing as a South African to score on such a stage,” Mailula told FIFA.com after the match. It means a lot to me. I’m very happy to have scored. It also gives me confidence that it’s possible and it doesn’t matter who you’re playing against.

“It’s a lesson for me to continue doing well, to prepare myself for the new season, and to take lessons from this tournament. It’s been a great experience.”

On Sundowns, who had arguably the best performance at the Club World Cup, Mailula said: “They had a great tournament. It shows that football in South Africa is improving.”

Wydad finished their campaign at the bottom of Group G without a win or a point.