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Fez – Raja AC has won the Casablanca derby against Wydad AC with a 2-0 victory, arguably keeping the race for the league title alive until the last breath.
The title-deciding game took place at Mohammed V Stadium in Morocco‘s Casablanca without fans in attendance after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) disciplinary board decided last week to sanction hosts Raja AC due to fans’ misbehavior.
With today’s win, Raja AC has closed the gap on Wydad AC, who currently tops the Botola Pro, the Moroccan league, keeping the race for the title alive.
The game started with mixed feelings for both teams. Raja AC vied to ditch their recent disappointing performances and solidify their upper hand in the famous rivalry. Meanwhile, Wydad AC aspired to build on their recent success in the CAF Champions League by adding another Botola Pro title to their trophy closet.
Yet, such aspirations were not put into practice on the pitch – not at the start of the first half at least.
Looking determined to prove their caliber, Raja AC’s players grew more confident as time progressed, taking full command of the ball on the pitch.
In the 35th minute, the Raja AC squad had its first clear chance, sending a clear message to Wydad AC defenses about their offensive capabilities.
On the other side, the Wydad AC squad looked outplayed by Raja AC’s dominance, and was forced to fall back and defend its goal.
Despite dominating the play, Raja AC’s attacking line lacked the much-needed finishing edge.
The team’s relentless quest for the game’s opener proved fruitful in the last minute of the first half, as Mohsine Moutouali unlocked the game for Raja AC on penalty.
Still, for a derby clash that many expected to be of high tactical and technical quality, the first half was rather laborious and full of technical mishaps from both teams.
A visibly re-energized Raja AC team entered the second half with more drive and determination to create more troubles for the Wydad AC squad and clinch a much-needed victory.
They dominated the first quarter of the second half, occasionally threatening Wydad AC goalkeeper Reda Tagnaouti.
In the 53rd minute, Raja striker Hamid Ahaddad had a clear chance before the Wydad goalkeeper, but he failed to drive the ball into the net.
Wydad AC players appeared to wake up during the last quarter of the first half, occasionally threatening the Raja AC defenses.
Despite Wydad trying their best to get back into the game in the second half, Raja AC’s strong defensive line stood tall to defend their ground until the end.
In the 85th minute, however, Mouhcine Metouali appeared once again to be the man of the moment for Raja AC, scoring the second goal from the penalty spot.
As time progressed, Raja AC emerged to have the upper hand over their biggest rival in the Moroccan football scene.
The referee’s final whistle came to solidify this idea, sending both teams to the dressing room and keeping the race for the Botola Pro title alive.
Read also: Morocco’s Wydad AC Wins its 3rd CAF Champions League Title
