Raja Casablanca celebrates after scoring in its 2-1 win over Auckland City in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup on December 11, 2013, in Agadir, Morocco. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
AGADIR, Morocco – Abdelilah Hafidi scored a dramatic late goal to lift Morocco’s Raja Casablanca over Auckland City of New Zealand, 2-1, in the opening match of the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup at Agadir Stadium.
The 21-year-old tapped in a loose ball after Auckland goalkeeper Tamati Williams made an initial save off a shot from Mohamed Oulhaj.
With its victory, Raja will meet three-time CONCACAF Champions League winner Monterrey in the competition’s quarterfinals on December 14.
Mouhssine Iajour gave the 2012-13 Moroccan league champion a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute, but Roy Krishna equalized 18 minutes into the second half.
Raja Casablanca took part in the inaugural Club World Cup in 2000 in Brazil, finishing bottom of Group A with losses against Brazil’s Corinthians, Al Nasr of Saudi Arabia and Spanish power Real Madrid.
