Club World Cup 2025: What adjustments do African clubs need ahead of the second matchday?

World 19 June 2025 at 11:20

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

African journalist Micky Jnr believes that African clubs need to make several adjustments before their matches on the second matchday of the 2025 Club World Cup.

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In a statement to Foot Africa, he urged the continent's representatives to be more clinical and, above all, to address certain defensive shortcomings.

First and foremost, more efficiency in front of goal—Wydad, for example, wasted too many chances against Manchester City. Also, there needs to be greater discipline at the back, as opponents' quick counterattacks have exposed weaknesses in African defenses. Finally, better game management is crucial; African clubs must control the tempo more effectively and avoid naive decisions at critical moments.

The schedule for African clubs on matchday 2 of the Club World Cup

Thursday, June 19

Group A: Palmeiras vs Al Ahly (East Rutherford, MetLife Stadium – 12:00 EDT/16:00 GMT).

Thursday, June 20

Group D: LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis (Nashville, GEODIS Park – 17:00 CDT/22:00 GMT).

Saturday, June 21

Group F: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund (Cincinnati, TQL Stadium – 12:00 EDT/16:00 GMT).

Sunday, June 22

Group G: Juventus vs Wydad AC (Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field – 12:00 EDT/16:00 GMT)