El Jadida cling to GNF1 lead

2009-11-23

Own goals and draws marked the 9th round of GNF1 play, as El Jadida held onto its championship dreams despite an unimpressive showing against MAT.

By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat — 23/11/09

[File] Even a draw with Moghreb Tétouan could not knock Difaa El Jadida from their top spot in the Moroccan league tables.

Wydad Casablanca opened the 9th round of play in the Moroccan Football Premier League, beating Hassania Agadir 1-0 at home on Friday (November 20th).

HUSA withstood multiple first-half threats to score by WAC, which failed to convert opportunities into points. HUSA players also passed up several chances to grab the lead.

The second half continued much as the first, until WAC coach Badou Zaki substituted two players near the end of play and changed the chemistry on the pitch. WAC striker Lys Mouithys pushed ahead in the 83rd minute to score, putting the team ahead for a decisive victory.

In another match, Olympique Khouribga crushed Olympique Safi 4-2 in front of a small crowd.

Although OCK threatened early, their foes scored the first goal when striker Houssame Eddine Eshaji broke through a disorganised defensive line in the 7th minute. Olympique Khouribga then turned the tide to dominate the match, threatening several times before striker Aliou Kanté scored the equaliser in the 31st minute.

OCK took the lead in the 64th, when defender Baker El Hilali tapped in the second goal, thrilling teammates and fans. Kanté widened the gap with his second goal of the match, putting the team up 3-1 in the 81st. OCK midfielder Hamid Boujar netted the team's final goal in the 83rd. OCS retaliated in the 86th, when striker Adelaziz Ben Chaibi put the ball in the net, but it was far too late for a comeback.

"The match result was deserved," said OCK manager Yousef Lemrini. "The reaction of our team was very strong after a goal was scored against us at the beginning. However, we managed to maintain our technical and psychological balance."

In another Saturday match, AS Salé drew 0-0 against guests Kawkab Marrakech.

Although no goals were logged, both teams made offensive advances throughout the match. AS Salé's keeper had a particularly difficult time deflecting attacks.

A chance to put a goal on the board was denied by a referee, who ruled out a penalty kick when KACM captain Samir Fellah escaped a handball call in the penalty zone.

"The more matches they play, the more experience our players are gaining. They've also shown their ability to play well against strong teams in the last five matches, something that boosts the strength of our team," AS Salé coach Aziz El Khyati said in a press statement after the match.

Sunday matches saw league leaders Difaa El Jadida square off with Moghreb Tetouan, only to watch things end in a nil-nil draw.

El Jadida had an opportunity to take the lead when the referee gave them a penalty kick, but the team failed to convert it into a goal. Despite the draw, El Jadida held onto the top spot.

In another match, Wydad Fes continued its winning streak, defeating Jeunesse Sportive Massira 2-1 on their own pitch. Wydad Fes forward Bilal Dankir scored in the first half, putting the ball away in the 26th minute.

JSM had a bit of good luck in the 45th, when Wydad Fes defender Mohamed Ezaim scored an own goal to equalise. JSM's luck turned in the 90th, however, when their defender Mandione Silla scored an own goal in the 90th minute to hand Wydad Fes the victory.

Also on Sunday, Moghreb Fes defeated guests Kenitra Athletic Club 1-nil with the help of an own goal by KAC defender Mamadou Dieng in the 5th minute.

Matches pitting IZK against FAR Rabat and FUS Rabat against Raja Casablanca were postponed to a later date.