Rabat – Raja Casablanca earned a point away to MAS Fes on Thursday after holding the Botola Pro leaders to a goalless draw despite playing most of the match with 10 men.
The Matchday 3 fixture took place at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, where MAS were playing as the home side because of the unavailability of their stadium in Fes.
MAS controlled much of the opening period and created the greater attacking threat, but Raja’s task became significantly harder before halftime when midfielder Othmane Chraibi was sent off.
Chraibi had already been booked before receiving a red card in the 38th minute, leaving Paco Jemez’s side a man down for the remainder of the contest.
Raja responded by making an immediate tactical adjustment, introducing Bouchaib Arrassi shortly afterward to reinforce the team following the dismissal.
MAS unable to capitalize on numerical advantage
MAS continued to push forward after the break and spent long periods in control, looking to use their numerical advantage to secure a third consecutive league victory.
Raja, however, dropped deeper and remained organized defensively, limiting the hosts despite the sustained pressure.
Fes side came close on several occasions but were unable to find a way past Raja’s defense and goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar.
The visitors showed more attacking intent during the closing stages but did not seriously threaten MAS goalkeeper Salaheddine Chihab, with the match ultimately ending 0-0.
The point leaves MAS Fes unbeaten after three Botola Pro matches. Rui Almeida’s side move to seven points and remain at the top of the standings after opening the campaign with successive 2-1 victories over Renaissance Zemamra and Hassania Agadir.
Raja, meanwhile, move to four points after two matches. The Green Eagles began their season with a 1-0 victory over Renaissance Zemamra, while their opening fixture against AS FAR remains outstanding.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Thursday’s draw allows Raja to leave Meknes unbeaten while MAS preserve their position at the top of the early Botola Pro table.
