Raja Casablanca Beats Olympic Safi 1-0: Botola Pro Inwi Update
Casablanca, Morocco – Raja Club Athletic reclaimed the top spot in the Botola Pro Inwi standings with a 2-0 victory over Olympique Safi on , at the Complexe Mohammed V. The match, played under a festive atmosphere during the month of Ramadan, saw a strong turnout from Raja’s passionate supporters, known as the Aigles Verts.
The home side didn’t waste time establishing their dominance. Abdellah Khafifi headed home a corner kick delivered by Sharjah in the 11th minute, giving Raja an early lead. The goal ignited the already vibrant crowd, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Olympique Safi’s hopes of mounting a comeback were severely hampered in the 26th minute when captain Sofian El Moueden received a straight red card. The dismissal left the visitors playing with ten men for the majority of the match, significantly impacting their ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities.
Raja continued to press for a second goal, earning a penalty through Mathias Oyewusi. However, Badr Bennoun’s spot-kick was saved, preventing Raja from extending their advantage. Despite the missed opportunity, the home side maintained control, dictating the tempo and creating a number of chances.
The second half saw Raja further solidify their grip on the game. While they struggled to convert several opportunities, their persistence eventually paid off. Mohamed Boulacsout unleashed a powerful strike in the 77th minute, finding the back of the net and sealing the victory for Raja.
The win propels Raja to 30 points, surpassing their rivals and returning them to the summit of the Botola Pro Inwi table. This marks a significant moment in the title race, as Raja looks to maintain their momentum and secure the championship. Olympique Safi, remain at the bottom of the league with just 7 points, facing a challenging battle to avoid relegation.
The atmosphere inside the Complexe Mohammed V was particularly noteworthy, with Raja’s ultras – the Green Boys and Eagles – displaying two impressive tifos in the south stand at the start of the match. The visual spectacle added to the already electric atmosphere, demonstrating the unwavering support of the Raja faithful.
Looking ahead, Raja will be aiming to build on this positive result and continue their winning form in their upcoming fixtures. The team, currently managed by Fadlu Davids, will need to maintain their consistency and capitalize on their home advantage to stay ahead in the competitive Botola Pro Inwi league. Davids, appointed on , has a current success rate of 1.46 PPM (Points Per Match).
For Olympique Safi, under the guidance of Chokri Khatoui, who was appointed on , the focus will undoubtedly shift towards survival. Khatoui, with a PPM of 1.37, faces a daunting task in turning around the team’s fortunes and lifting them away from the relegation zone. Their recent head-to-head record against Davids is unfavorable, with Khatoui’s side failing to secure a win in their single encounter.
Raja’s squad boasts a total value of €12.31 million, with an average market value of €473,000 per player. They have six players representing their nation in the senior national team and five foreign players in their ranks. Olympique Safi’s squad is valued at €6.97 million, with an average market value of €225,000. They have two players in the senior national team and eight foreign players.
The historical record between these two teams shows a pattern of Raja dominance. Looking back at recent encounters, Raja secured a 2-0 victory in the first round of the current season on . Prior to that, they won 1-0 on , and 2-3 on . Further back, Raja also claimed a 2-0 win on , and a 3-1 victory on .
Mouad Dahak is currently considered Raja’s best player. The victory over Safi underscores Raja’s strength and ambition as they navigate the remainder of the Botola Pro Inwi season. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, combined with the unwavering support of their fans, positions them as strong contenders for the league title.