Casablanca to meet Bayern Munich in Club World Cup final

Marrakech (Morocco), Dec 19 (IANS) The host witnessed an unforgettable Wednesday night as their representative Raja Casablanca upset South American powerhouse Atletico Mineiro 3-1 to meet Bayern Munich in the final at Club World Cup.

Cheered by their fanatic fans from the sold-out stands, Mouhssine Iajour was sent free with a through ball to the area and struck a low shot to the net six minutes after the restart, sending the green-colour-packed Marrakech Stadium into delirium, reported Xinhua.

Ronaldinho, the former playmaker for Brazil and Barcelona, proved his value 12 minutes later. He silenced the deafening boos from the “Green sea” with an angled free-kick to the far top corner.

But the open match full of attacking football ended in a drama.

Mineiro’s captain Rever was booked by referee in the area following a tackle. Mohsine Moutaouali made a cool finish on the spot to re-establish the lead for the home side.

Vivien Mabide sealed the 3-1 victory in the stoppage time as the full-capacity stadium was ignited by passion where shouts, songs and drums were echoing around.

Guangzhou Evergrande, who was outclassed 3-0 by Bayern Munich in the semi-final, will play against Mineiro to fight for the third place.

Also Monterrey finished their journey in Morocco Wednesday on a high note after thrashing African Champions Al Ahly 5-1 to claim fifth place.

The match was the first time in Club World Cup history that two teams faced each other for a second time after both sides met in Japan last year.

It’s also the second time for the Mexican representatives to finish fifth in this tournament after repeating the same result in 2011.