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New Delhi: Manchester City defeated Moroccan side Wydad AC 2-0 in their FIFA Club World Cup opening match at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 18. English midfielder Phil Foden created history in the tournament, netting the tournament’s fastest goal so far in 1 minute, 51 seconds.

Manchester City dominated the possession from kick-off and Foden scored the first goal just inside two minutes of the match after Savinho flashed a dangerous ball to the Wydad goal. The keeper failed to hold the ball properly, and Foden fired from close range to give City a good start in the Group G encounter.

Pep Guardiola gave Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki their first starts. The duo looked brilliant and pulled the strings for City in dangerous areas. Cherki also played a big role in the next big chance for City as he played the ball into Omar Marmoush on the edge of the Wydad area, but he failed to convert it.

Wydad looked good in moments and almost drew level against the run of play, but Ederson stood strong to save the ball with his feet just after the half-hour mark. Jeremy Doku scored the second goal for the club just before half-time. Foden swings the corner kick over towards the back post, where Doku gets in front of the defender and stretches out a leg. He connected with the ball and directed it into the net.

Rico Lewis receives straight red card in second half

Doku almost scored the goal early in the second half when he stole the possession deep in the attacking half, but Benabid made a brilliant one-on-one save. Guardiola introduced Oscar Bobb, Rodri and Erling Haaland to the action on the hour mark.

City looked on course to grab all three points, but there was a little drama in the end as Manchester City were reduced to 10 men. Rico Lewis received a straight red card in the 88th minute of the game, after his boot caught Samuel Obeng in the face on the follow-through.

Despite the disadvantage, City had another chance in stoppage time, but Benabid did a brilliant job to deny Haaland. Manchester City will face the UAE club Al Ain on Sunday, June 22, in their next match of the Club World Cup.