Thembinkosi Lorch making waves with Wydad at Club World Cup

Despite his side losing 2-0 after goals from Phil Foden (2') and Jeremy Doku (42) at the Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday, the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker made a big impression with his dynamic performance.

Lorch came close to etching his name to the scoresheet with a first-half snap-shot that had Ederson scrambling, before setting up Cassius Mailula for Wydad’s best chance of the tie.

He has subsequently become the most viewed profile on stats website, Transfermarkt, since the game.

Former Bafana Bafana stars Shaun Bartlett was impressed but not surprised by the showing of the South African star.

Bartlett told SuperSport: "He had quite a productive day on the field. I was quite disappointed when they took him off, obviously managing him as a player.

"But I think overall he tried his best. He was all over the pitch, being influential, taking shots from long range and even setting up Cassius [Mailula] in the first half.

"I think it was just that final product that never came for Wydad."

Lorch was substituted for Stephane Aziz Ki in the 84th minute of the match.

Wydad are next in action against Juventus on Sunday.