Draws abound, goals scarce in Day 6 of GNF1

2009-10-26

The 6th round of the Moroccan Football Premier League saw little in the way of spectacular play, as draws and low scores were the rule.

By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 26/10/09

[File] The contest between RCA and Moghreb Athletic Tetouan resulted in a draw, reflecting the trend in other matches in the GNF1's 6th round.

Wydad Athletic Casablanca drew 0-0 against their hosts Olympique Khouribga on Saturday (October 24th) in the hardest-fought match in the 6th round of the Moroccan Premier League.

The match, which took place in front of a large crowd, saw few attacks by the two teams. "The match witnessed what we can call semi-scoring opportunities," said WAC coach Badou Zaki. "I think that the tactical nature of the match was the factor that led to this end result."

Elsewhere in the league, Raja Casablanca drew 1-1 on their home pitch against Moghreb Athletic Tetouan on Friday.

The match saw the return of RCA coach José Romao, who left the team at the end of last season after they won the league title.

RCA held sway for most of the first half and had many missed scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Imad Elaamri scored the only goal for the guests, making fans wait until the 38th minute. RCA's level of play was even weaker in the second half, and their guests focused on defence to avoid giving up any goals. However, RCA managed to score the equaliser through their star striker Pape Cire Dia in the 83rd minute.

Heavyweight local team Royal Armed Forces Rabat continued their streak of sub-par results, scraping by on Saturday with a nil-nil draw against Jeunesse Sportive El Massira.

The first half was dominated by FAR, but their attacks were met with a strong and well-coordinated JSM defensive line.

Although FAR kept up the pressure in the second half, they nearly let by a goal from JSM attacker Mohamed El Kentaoui, who passed up a very important scoring opportunity.

FAR striker Issam Erraki attributed his team's poor showing to the fact that their foes focused on defence and pulled back into their defensive zone, leaving no gaps for his team to exploit.

In another match, Ittihad Zemmouri Khemisset defeated their guests AS Salé 1-0 on Sunday.

AS Salé's usual high level of play was a no-show for the match, leaving the hosts more in control of the tempo, though still unable to capitalise on several scoring opportunities. Forward Hicham Fatihi scored the match's only goal in the 52nd minute, and the guests had just a few chances, all bumbled, to net the ball.

In other league results, Kawkab Marrakesh and their hosts Wydad Fes drew 0-0 on Saturday.

KACM, one of the most important local teams, were not in top form, and they retreated to their defensive zone to handle their opponents' attacks. Wydad Fes was the stronger team in the match, though they did not shine in terms of technique.

In another match, FUS Rabat beat hosts Hassania Agadir 1-0 in a Sunday match marred by many challenges to the referee.

Even as HUSA fans waited for what seemed a certain goal during their players' flurry of attacks, FUS Cameroonian striker Daniel Manchari took everyone by surprise and scored a spectacular goal in the 52nd minute off a spot-on pass from teammate Yousoufou Ahmadou. After that, FUS mounted a series of drives for the HUSA net. The end of the match saw HUSA launch strong challenges to the referee for flashing the red card against one of their players.

In other matches, Kenitra Athletic Club drew 0-0 against their guests Difaa El Jadida on Saturday, and Olympique Safi defeated guests Moghreb Fes 1-0 on Sunday.