Latest news with #CupoftheThrone
Morocco World
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad and Raja Seal CAF Confederation Cup Spots
Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca will represent Morocco in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, following the end of the 2024/25 Botola Pro campaign. Wydad signed off their league season with a 2-0 home win over Nahdat Zemamra at the Mohammed V Stadium. Mohamed El Raheyi put Wydad ahead from the penalty spot after 12 minutes, before Mayele Maïlula doubled the lead just before half-time, finishing off a smart pass from Obing. The result saw Wydad finish third on 54 points, just missing out on the Champions League spot claimed by AS FAR. Zemamra, meanwhile, ended their season fifth on 47 points. Raja Casablanca had already booked their ticket after clinching the Cup of the Throne last year with a 2-1 victory over AS FAR in the final in Agadir. Tags: botola proCAF Confederation Cuprajawydad
Morocco World
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad To Axe Mokwena After Nightmare Campaign
Rhulani Mokwena's agent has confirmed that the former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach will leave Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca at the end of the season. The 38-year-old has seen his tenure in Morocco cut short after a string of results that brought their season to a juddering halt, ending the season trophyless and failing to qualify for next season's CAF Champions League. Despite being just months into what was meant to be a three-year project, the two parties 'mutually agreed' to part ways following a dreary 1-1 draw away to Olympique Safi on Wednesday – Wydad's fifth straight match without a win in the league. After the draw, Mokoena didn't even bother to turn up for the post-match press conference. The Moroccan federation's disciplinary committee is expected to slap him with a 20,000 dirham fine for the no-show, as stipulated by league regulations. Mokoena oversaw 35 matches in total — 27 in the Botola Pro, two in the Cup of the Throne, and six in the CAF African Football League. His tally is rather underwhelming, with 11 wins, 12 draws, and 4 defeats. The young coach's appointment was exciting and promising on paper, but the lack of consistency and failure to win since mid-February sealed his fate. According to Afrik-Foot, five key blunders derailed Mokoena's Casablanca stint: Mokwena leapt at Wydad's offer just days after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns. His hasty decision has backfired, suggesting he simply was not mentally and tactically prepared for the shift. Thin squad, thick expectations Wydad finished sixth last season. Yet fans demanded instant glory. Mokoena found himself handed a half-baked squad and unrealistic ambitions. Signings galore, chemistry nil Dozens of players were roped in, but few made any impact. The squad lacked cohesion, and it showed in their mediocre performances throughout the season. A promising start nosedived into a draw-fest. Since 16 February, not a single win — cue panic stations. Mokoena's public grumbles about squad quality didn't sit well with fans or the board. It smacked of deflection and sparked mutiny in the stands. Wydad fans on social media weren't exactly in weeping to see the back of Mokwena at the end of the season: One user scoffed: 'He flopped at Sundowns with billion-dirham players and no pressure. You expected miracles with Harraqas and Boutouil?' Another posted: 'Mokoena didn't understand Moroccan football. Wydad needs trophies, not TED Talks.' A third went for the jugular: 'He's never reached a CAF final even with Sundowns. Mediocre, plain and simple.' Others blamed poor recruitment: 'Some players just aren't up to scratch. This isn't all on the coach.' Either way, Wydad have now appointed Moroccan head coach Amine Benhachem to clean up the mess, steady the ship, and prepare Wydad for the FIFA Club World Cup that runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States next summer. Tags: Rhulani MokwenaWACWydad AC
Morocco World
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad v Raja: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
Wydad Casablanca will host city city-rivals Raja Casablanca on Saturday evening at the Stade Mohammed V in Moroccan football's most anticipated and historic derby. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. and fans can catch the action live on Arriyadia HD. Raja come into the game facing key absences. Midfielder Federico Bikoro has been dropped for disciplinary reasons following a training ground incident, while defender Mohamed Boulaksout is suspended after a red card in the Cup of the Throne. Despite the setbacks, manager Lassaad Chabbi has insisted that preparations have been 'normal' and that his side are focused on securing a positive result. Wydad will be without suspended centre-back Ayman El Dirani, but Abdelmounaim Boutouil is expected to return and form a defensive pairing with Jamal Harkass. The match will unfold under unusual circumstances. Wydad's ultras group, the Winners, have announced a boycott in protest over increased ticket prices and what they describe as 'unfair' organisational decisions, including the closure of a section of the stadium traditionally allocated to their supporters. Both supporters' absence is expected to dampen the atmosphere in a fixture renowned for its intensity and electric show. Score Prediction: Both clubs are looking to bounce back after early exits from the Throne Cup. Wydad are chasing second place in the league, while Raja aim to steady the mood among supporters. With key absences on both sides and the pressure mounting, a draw – goalless in the worst-case scenario – looks the most likely result. Tags: botola procasablanca derbyRaja CasablancaWydad Casablanca
