Botola Pro: Wydad held by top flight newcomers

Wydad Casablanca have yet to discover their form in the early stages of the Botola Pro season, with the Moroccan giants managing only a 1-1 draw at top flight debutants US Yacoub El Mansour on Friday.

After an unconvincing 1-0 victory over another newly promoted club, Kawkab Marrakech, Wydad once again struggled and this time they did not escape with three points away from home in Rabat. At times, the hosts from the capital city looked like the more dangerous team and were perhaps unlucky to not claim all three points.

The first half was characterized by missed opportunities. Wydad playmaker Thembinkosi Lorch blew a golden opportunity inside fifteen minutes with his tame attempt at a finish. Wydad goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid did well to keep the match scoreless with a couple of strong moments.

However, the hosts found the opener just before halftime. Clever combination play between Brahim Mansouri and Mehdi Balouk ended with Mansouri’s deflected shot spilled by Benabid right to Balouk, who only had to tap in from close range.

But Wydad did claim a point in the end and it was former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates attacker Lorch who leveled in the 51st minute. Right back Mohamed Moufid received a pass on the right wing and crossed low for Lorch, whose first-time finish was precise.

Wydad now have four points from two matches while USYM earned their first point on Friday after losing their season opener to AS FAR.