Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad Athletic Club played their fifth consucutive draw sharing the spoils with their arch rivals Raja Casablanca.
The Casablanca derby started on a high note, with Wydad asking questions, but Raja remained calm for the first 10 minutes, defending well and compactly. After 12 minutes Thembinkosi Lorch took a shot from outside the box but it was blocked by Raja defender.
The Red Castle’s pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Oussama Zemraoui was brought down inside the box referee pointed to the spot. Midfielder Mohamed Rayhi stepped up and converted from the penalty spot to make it 1-0.
After 25 minutes of football, Thembinkosi Lorch hit the crossbar after a great shot from outside the box, and Raja quickly played out on a counter-attack.
Sabir Bougrine set up Houssine Rahimi for the equaliser in the heated fixture at the Stade Mohamed V.
With five minutes remaining before the first half, Raja was close to taking the lead when Sabir set up Rahimi but El Mehdi Benabid produced an excellent save to keep the scoreline at 0-0.
With three minutes added, Lorch started a great move but Mohamed Moufid the finishing touch.
Wydad kept on knocking looking for that second goal but no clear cut chances created up until 60th minute when Lorch showed some glimpses. Cassius Mailula was introduced and immediately nearly made an impact but his shot went over the crossbar.
Inside the 74th minute Wydad appealed for a penalty after Samuel Obeng was pulled by his shirt but the referee waved play on and allowed a corner.
Wydad played their fifth consecutive draw in the Botola Pro Inwi, they remained to third place with 44 points and one point behind AS FAR. They have four games remaining against OC Safi, AS FAR, JS Soulem and Renaissance Zemmamra.
