FAR, Wydad Fes reverse losing streaks

2009-11-09

Difaa El Jadida held onto the top slot in the Moroccan Premier League, while FAR Rabat and Wydad Fes clawed their way to their first victories this season.

By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 09/11/09

[File] FAR Rabat have less reason to hide their faces, having pulled off their first GNF1 win this season in a Saturday bout with Wydad Casablanca.

FAR Rabat gave themselves their first win of the season by besting visitors Wydad Casablanca 1-0 in one of the hardest-fought matches in the 8th round of the Moroccan Premier League on Saturday (November 7th).

The match took place in a friendly atmosphere, but saw both teams blow many opportunities. FAR's Mohamed Jawad scored the match-winning goal for his team in the 14th minute, much to the delight of the crowd of fans thirsty for good results.

Khaled Askri then managed to hold off several WAC attacks, earning himself the title of player of the match. FAR Rabat almost scored again, but its forwards bumbled several opportunities.

"We came here looking for good results, and we managed to achieve that," FAR forward Jawad Waddouche said after the contest. "We won the match through a new start for our team, which is currently stuck with a ranking far below what we deserve."

Elsewhere on Saturday, in a well-attended match, Raja Casablanca drew 1-1 with Difaa El Jadida; the latter currently lead the league.

Senegalese player Djim Ngom scored the first goal for Raja in the 22nd minute, off a pass from defender Mourad Ainy. The tables were turned, however, by Difaa El Jadida defender Ahmed Chagou in the 42nd minute, when Abdullah Lahoua sailed a corner kick in his direction.

The match's highlight was the booting out of three players: Difaa El Jadida forward Pape Latyr in the first half, and Raja midfielder Nabil Mesloub and Difaa defenceman Moulay Ali El Jaafari in the second. Mirroring the action on the pitch, some fans clashed in the stands.

"The game lacked any rhythm and was slowed down by several pauses," said RCA coach Jose Romao. "Yet it was still a strong game versus a good team."

In other GNF1 action the same day, KAC Kenitra thrashed visitors Jeunesse Massira 2-0 in front of a crowd whose miniature proportions seemed to reflect KAC fans' anger at their team. The hosts held sway throughout the first half, as midfielder Abderrahim Aberbache scored the first goal in the 3rd minute. The visiting team showed faint signs of life in the second half, but Kenitra defender Mamadou Dieng put the match away for KAC by netting a second goal in the 53rd minute.

Olympique Khouribga played to a goalless draw with visitors AS Salé on Sunday in a game marred by missed scoring opportunities. AS Salé came closer to a win, but stumbled over several good chances.

Moghreb Tetouan and Kawkab Marrakech also played a scoreless match, with both teams performing at similar levels and strikers on both sides failing to capitalise on their chances.

Wydad Fes, meanwhile, achieved their first victory this season, stomping FUS Rabat 3-1.

Meanwhile, Olympique Safi hosted a mediocre match with Ittihad Khemisset on November 6th. Each team got to dominate a half. Safi forward Alex Aguile Josue scored a victory goal in the 88th minute after a misunderstanding among three IZK forwards and their keeper.

Elsewhere in the league, Maghreb Fez drew 1-1 with hosts Hassania Agadir on Sunday. Agadir had the upper hand, but were taken off guard when Maghreb forward Adil Fahime slipped in a goal in the 5th minute. Hassania midfielder Abdelhafid Lirki scored the equaliser in the 64th minute thanks to a penalty kick.