South African attackers Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch were in action on Wednesday evening as Wydad Athletic Club played Manchester City in the Fifa Club World Cup game played in Philadelphia.
The English heavyweights claimed a 2-0 win thanks to first-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku. The Citizens are now second in Group G, behind Juventus, who beat Al Ain 5-0 in another outing in the pool.
While Mailula struggled to deliver, which led to his subbing after the first half, Lorch shone in the 83 minutes he was on the pitch.
Have a look at what the fans in Mzansi said:
Lorch's exploit might be enough to return him to Bafana Bafana
Coach Rulani Mokwena, thanks for saving this man's career. It was worth saving; good game Thembinkosi Lorch, from where he was, we wouldn’t be here today – Gardner Mahlake
We need to have a serious conversation. Thembinkosi Lorch, the player, has proved time and time again that he’s reliable, can’t thank Sundowns enough for giving us this monster – Wydad Time
Thembinkosi Lorch had a wonderful outing. It might even be enough to bring him back to the national team – SA Young Talent
Thembinkosi Lorch nearly crippled Manchester City, as a South African, I'm proud. I hope Hugo Broos finds a way to slot him into our national team. Wow! – Jay
Dear Safa, we, the South African soccer-loving nation, demand the immediate return of Thembinkosi Lorch to Bafana Bafana – Monkwe
Lorch should play with Aziz Ki, and Mailula up front
Mailula choked today, shame; Lorch needed him to be himself and not go missing like he did. I now understand why he was demoted to the lower division in the MLS before Rulani came for him. Against Manchester City, he was playing like he's scared of something – Maphatha
Mailula was played out of position; he couldn't do anything! Coaches sometimes can waste players – Marena
I think they subbed Mailula because of the yellow card. That yellow card killed his rhythm because he played it safe; he couldn't counterpress like he always does – Lerumo Johnson
This coach cost Wydad the Manchester City game. Lorch should play with Aziz Ki and Mailula up front – Abuti Kop
Mailula should have been sent off in the first half. Mailula was played out of position. The coach had stage fright – Tsebo
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