In their first clash of the 2024-25 season, Casablanca rivals Raja and Wydad played to a 1-1 draw at the Stade Larbi Zouali on Friday. Halftime substitute Pape Ousmane Sakho opened the scoring for Raja early in the second half before a late push from Wydad resulted in Mohamed Rayhi's impressive strike to level.
The derby known for its loud and fierce atmosphere was played behind closed doors but the players involved maintained the intensity. Wydad were fortunate to escape a red card inside twenty minutes when Ismail Moutaraji stomped on the ankle of Raja's Bodda Mouhsine but the referee decided to give a yellow card rather than a red following the VAR review.
A couple of halftime changes from Raja coach Ricardo Sá Pinto made an immediate difference. It was former Simba attacker Sakho who opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when the Senegalese collected a cross from Naoufel Zerhouni and fired past Wydad keeper Youssef El Motie.
Wydad, coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer Rhulani Mokwena, increased their level in the final thirty minutes and found the goal they needed in the 78th minute. A free kick from deep was allowed to bounce by the Raja defense and Rayhi reacted the quickest to fire a perfectly struck volley that left Raja keeper Anas Zniti with no chance.
Both teams remain behind the pace set by current leaders RS Berkane. Wydad are in 5th place on 16 points while Raja are two points behind in 9th position.
Highlights
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