Photo Credit: Raja Club Athletic
Editor Note: This article is translated from the original written by Pan-Africa Football's Omar Chraibi
The 12th day of the Moroccan football championship, the Botola Pro, was marked by two highlights: the defeat of RS Berkane, leader of the ranking, and the first victory of Raja Casablanca under the leadership of its Portuguese coach Ricardo Sá Pinto.
Leader Berkane held in check
On the pitch of Difaâ El Jadida, RS Berkane conceded a frustrating draw (1-1), letting slip two precious points in their race for the title.
Scorer Ayoub Khairi had given Berkane the lead in the 24th minute, but the expulsion of Burkinabé defender Issoufou Dayo changed the situation. The locals took advantage of this numerical superiority to equalize thanks to Moustapha Essahd, preventing Berkane from rising in the standings.
The Raja of Sá Pinto finally breathes..
In a difficult context, Raja Casablanca found a smile again by winning against Hassania d'Agadir (3-1). This success, won on neutral ground at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium, puts an end to a series of disappointing results for the Greens.
Adam Ennafati's two goals and Younes Najari's goal gave Ricardo Sá Pinto his first victory as Raja coach, giving fans hope ahead of crucial deadlines.
Other notable results
FAR Rabat, crowned by its success in the Champions League, confirmed its good form by beating Chabab Soualem 3-0.
AS FAR defeated Jeunesse Sportive Soualem 3-0
Wydad Casablanca opened the day with a valuable victory against Olympique Safi 1-0 thanks to a goal from Oussama Zemraoui.
Video: Wydad AC 1-0 Olympique Safi highlights
A classic in sight
All eyes are now on the next day which will see FAR Rabat and Wydad Casablanca face off in a promising classico. For his part Berkane will have to react to consolidate his lead at the top.
A Botola full of suspense
With such close results, the Moroccan championship confirms its status as an unpredictable competition where each point can tip the rankings. The next few weeks promise to be decisive for the title contenders.
At the bottom of the ranking, the situation is worrying for Moghreb Tétouan, 15th with 10 points, and especially for Chabab Mohammedia, bottom with only 2 points and a dramatic goal difference (-25).
These teams will have to react to avoid relegation, while the gaps can be made up with positive series.
The fight for maintenance promises to be as intense as that for the title.
Results
Union Touarga 3-1 IR Tanger
Wydad AC 1-0 Olympique Safi
JSS 0-3 AS FAR
COD Meknès 1-1 Chabab Mohammedia
Moghreb Tétouan 0-2 FUS Rabat
Hassania Agadir 1-3 Raja CA
Difaâ El Jadida 1-1 RS Berkane
Maghreb Fez 0-1 Renaissance Zemamra
Table
1. RS Berkane - 27 points
2. FAR Rabat - 20 points
3. Renaissance Zemamra - 20 points
4. Wydad Casablanca - 19 points
5. Mouloudia Oujda - 19 points
6. Union Touarga - 18 points
7. Difaâ El Jadida - 18 points
8. Raja Casablanca - 17 points
9. FUS Rabat – 16 points
10. Hassania Agadir – 16 points
11. Ittihad Tanger – 14 points
12. Jeunesse Soualem – 14 points
13. Olympique Safi – 14 points
14. COD Meknès – 14 points
15. Moghreb Tétouan – 10 points
16. Chabab Mohammedia – 2 points
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