Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad Athletic Club have lost their Botola Pro opener in dramatic fashion after conceding an injury-time penalty.
Wydad were traveling to MAS de Fes, the 11th-placed team from last season but it wasn’t the dream start Mokwena and his team would’ve wanted.
The Moroccan giants were able to register their new players this week after their transfer ban by FIFA was lifted, with new striker Cassius Mailula making the squad but starting on the bench.
It was a pretty even tie in the first half, with neither side being able to create too many chances.
But the home side thought they had scored the opener in first half injury-time, but it was ruled out for offside after VAR review.
Wydad had their best chance just after the break when a shot by Mohamed Rayhi hit the outside of the post.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Mailula came on as a second-half substitute in the 60th minute after only arriving in Morocco earlier this week and missing large parts of the club’s pre-season.
But it was the home side who eventually got the opener from the penalty spot in injury-time in the second half.
Wydad tried to find an equaliser and had several great opportunities, with Mailula being denied following a superb header, as Fes goalkeeper Abdelhay Ben Soltane came up with several good saves.
It was Fes’ first win over Wydad after 15 attempts, with their last victory dating back to 2014.
