In a thrilling match that unfolded in Fes, Raja Sporting Club surged to the top of the Professional League standings following a crucial 2-0 victory over FUS. This encounter marked a significant moment in Round 19 of the league, taking place at the sports complex in Fes, where a notable crowd of Fassi supporters gathered, albeit without the green team's fans due to travel restrictions imposed as a penalty.
The match commenced with both teams displaying high energy, with the home side, FUS, pressing early on, led by Adam Brique, who almost put his team ahead on two occasions. However, the vigilant Raja defense thwarted these attempts. Raja took some time to organize their attacking strategy, but once they did, they began threatening FUS’s goal, notably with a header from Ayoub El Amoud that narrowly missed the target.
Raja capitalized on their first genuine opportunity, scoring in the 20th minute through a well-coordinated team effort, culminating in a precise pass from Adam Nafati to Matthias Oyawusi, who found the back of the net. Despite FUS’s efforts to level the score, their attacks were met with a solid defensive setup from Raja, while Ayoub El Amoud nearly doubled the advantage with a powerful shot that sailed close to the goal.
As the second half commenced, the yellow tigers intensified their search for an equalizer, yet they struggled to convert their chances into goals. Raja, however, took advantage of a set-piece situation to extend their lead, with Saber Bougrine executing a well-placed corner kick that Ayoub El Amoud converted successfully, giving Raja a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Even as FUS pressed forward in the closing minutes, their attempts lacked precision. A penalty appeal was dismissed after VAR review, allowing Raja to maintain their lead until the final whistle, bringing their points tally to 39 at the summit of the table, while FUS remained at 38 points, suffering their first defeat of the season.
In another noteworthy match at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, Wydad Athletic Club secured a deserved 2-0 victory over KAC Meknes, regaining their equilibrium after a challenging period that had prompted the club’s board to resign collectively. Wydad established dominance from the outset, despite having to make an early substitution due to Ferreira's injury. Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring with a stunning direct free-kick before adding a second from the penalty spot just before halftime, solidifying Wydad’s lead.
In the second half, KAC Meknes aimed to reduce the deficit and displayed a more daring approach, but the resilience of Wydad's defense and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid ensured the scoreline remained unchanged. This victory elevated Wydad's tally to 34 points, placing them fourth, while KAC Meknes fell to seventh with 27 points.
Meanwhile, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Fath Union Sport salvaged a last-minute draw against their visitors, Ittihad Tangiers. The visitors struck first through Zakaria Kiani in the 16th minute, but the hosts managed to equalize through Salah Eddine Benichou in the 87th minute.
Following this match, Fath Union Sport consolidated their eighth position with 25 points, while Ittihad Tangiers climbed to tenth place with 19 points. The round continues with an intriguing matchup on Friday between Olympique de Dcheira and Union Yacoub Mansour, two teams grappling at the bottom of the table, concluding with a match between Kawkab Marrakech and Nahda Zemamra, a contest that remains open to all possibilities for both teams still in danger of relegation.
Match Results and Schedule:
Fath Union Sport – Ittihad Tangiers 1 – 1
Wydad Athletic Club – KAC Meknes 2 – 0
FUS – Raja SC 0 – 2
Friday:
Olympique de Dcheira – Union Yacoub Mansour (19:00)
Kawkab Marrakech – Nahda Zemamra (21:00)
As reported by alittihad.info.
