Casablanca roars as Mbenza claims African crown
The Mohammed V Stadium shook Monday night when Wydad Casablanca beat record holders Al Ahly 2-0 to seize a third CAF Champions League title. One of the first jerseys thrown toward the delirious curva carried the name Guy Mbenza, the Congolese striker whose thunderous shooting terrified Al Ahly’s backline.
- Casablanca roars as Mbenza claims African crown
- Brazzaville beginnings shape a fearless forward
- A quick tour of Congo’s elite leagues
- Belgian dream, tough reality
- Swiss springboard builds the legend
- Wydad’s bargain loan pays golden dividends
- The numbers behind the noise
- National colours come calling
- Confidence high, humility intact
- What next for the red-haired predator?
- Financial angle matters in Casablanca
- Fans beg for permanence
- Role model for Congolese youth
- Modern striker built for mobile screens
- Discipline behind the fireworks
- Bright horizon for Congo’s football
- Holding the trophy, eyeing the future
- A story still being written
Mbenza did not score in the final yet still left his mark with a 25-metre missile that rattled Mohamed El-Shenawy’s crossbar and drew a collective gasp. “Every time he touches the ball you feel something can explode,” smiled Wydad coach Walid Regragui after the game (CAF press zone).
Brazzaville beginnings shape a fearless forward
Born 22 years ago in the bustling arrondissement of Poto-Poto, Guy Carel Mbenza learned football on sandy pitches bordered by mango trees. Local club Lions de Poto-Poto spotted his raw power early. “He drove shots like a grown man at 14,” recalls youth coach Armand Mabiala by phone from Brazzaville.
A quick tour of Congo’s elite leagues
Between 2017 and 2019 the forward wore the jerseys of CS La Mancha and AS Otôho, stacking goals and muscle. He caught the eye with crimson-dyed hair and back-flip celebrations, earning the affectionate nickname “le buteur fou” from commentators on Télé Congo broadcasts.
Belgian dream, tough reality
A first move abroad brought him to Tunisia’s Stade Tunisien in 2020, where 11 goals in 26 matches opened Europe’s doors. Cercle Bruges offered a five-year deal, then neighbours Royal Antwerp gambled on his physique. Minutes were scarce, confidence dipped, and a loan became inevitable.
Swiss springboard builds the legend
The switch to Lausanne-Sport last season changed everything. Seven goals in 15 Super League outings, including a hat-trick against Lugano, flashed across African sports channels. “His timing in the box is killer,” analysed RTS pundit Ludovic Magnin at the time (RTS replay).
Wydad’s bargain loan pays golden dividends
Keen on Congolese forwards since the Fabrice Ondama era, Wydad negotiated a one-season loan with option to buy worth 450,000 dollars, a modest fee in modern football. Mbenza responded with 16 goals in 36 appearances, three of them decisive during the continental campaign that climaxed Monday.
The numbers behind the noise
According to CAF stats, Mbenza averaged a shot on target every 28 minutes in the Champions League, more than Al Ahly star Percy Tau. In Botola Pro play he finished top scorer, edging Raja’s Hamid Ahaddad. “He mixes finesse and raw strength; that combo is rare,” noted Moroccan analyst Nizar Idrissi on Radio Mars.
National colours come calling
Celebrations paused briefly as the striker packed for Bamako, where Congo’s Red Devils face Mali in a pivotal Africa Cup of Nations qualifier Saturday. Coach Paul Put values his versatility: “Guy can press, hold up, or go behind. He gives Mali three different puzzles,” he told local reporters at Maya-Maya Airport.
Confidence high, humility intact
Before boarding, Mbenza thanked Congolese fans in Lingala on Instagram. “Biso nyonso to bunga te,” he wrote, roughly: “We won’t lose our way.” The post gathered 40,000 likes within hours, reflecting the forward’s growing status among youths who see him as proof local talent can travel the world.
What next for the red-haired predator?
Wydad hold a purchase option until 30 June. Sources close to the Casablanca board say a decision could arrive after the CAN window, though Egyptian side Pyramids FC and Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis have already made enquiries. The player remains diplomatic: “My mind is on goals, not gossip,” he told Arryadia TV.
Financial angle matters in Casablanca
Club insiders admit the prospect of reselling Mbenza later for several million euros is tempting. Botola Pro sides rely on such capital gains to fund academies and stadium upgrades. With a supportive local government keen on showcasing Moroccan sports excellence, keeping the striker another season would align with wider ambitions.
Fans beg for permanence
In the narrow streets of Derb Sultan, red banners with Mbenza’s face now mingle with those of long-time idol Badou Zaki. “Il est déjà casablancais,” insists supporter Youssef El Khattabi, who skipped work to join the nocturnal parade. “Let him stay; he makes children dream,” his friend Leila adds.
Role model for Congolese youth
Back in Brazzaville, sports academies replay his goals in evening sessions. Education ministry official Sylvain Ngatsé applauds the impact: “When a youngster from Poto-Poto lifts Africa’s biggest club trophy, classrooms buzz the next day. It motivates both study and sport.”
Modern striker built for mobile screens
Mbenza’s highlight reels, compressed to 30-second vertical videos, trend on TikTok across Central Africa. His fiery hairstyle and somersault celebrations match algorithmic appetites for colour and movement, creating a personal brand that sponsors from telecom to beverage industries already court.
Discipline behind the fireworks
Teammates describe a quiet worker who stays late to practise finishing with both feet. Fitness coach Rachid Benabid reveals that the forward trimmed body fat from 13 % to 9 % this season through extra cycling sessions. “The showman persona hides a professional monk,” he smiles.
Bright horizon for Congo’s football
Mbenza joins a generation that includes Silvère Ganvoula and Prince Oniangué, boosting national hopes ahead of the 2023 CAN in Côte d’Ivoire. Government sports programs emphasise youth academies, and success stories like his vindicate policies promoting healthy lifestyles and international exposure.
Holding the trophy, eyeing the future
When the confetti settled, Mbenza kissed the polished silver cup and raised a green-yellow Congolese flag. That image, splashed across morning papers from Brazzaville to Benguela, symbolises both personal triumph and the rise of Central African talent on the continental stage.
A story still being written
Whether he remains in Casablanca or signs elsewhere, the crazy finisher has already etched his name in African football folklore. For now, he carries a nation’s hopes into Bamako, confident the next thunderbolt might echo far beyond any crossbar.
