Raja Casablanca claimed their first win of the CAF Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca. This match marked the fourth round of the Group B clash, and both teams entered the fixture with different expectations. Raja, having struggled earlier with disappointing results, needed this win to reignite their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.
Coming off a series of tough contests, Raja had been hungry for redemption. The Moroccan side had faced immense pressure after losing two matches to Sundowns earlier and sitting at the bottom of their group with just one point. Before this win, Raja’s track record included two defeats and one draw, ranking them low among the competitors. When the match kicked off, Raja knew every point mattered.
The atmosphere turned electric as the game unfolded. Known for their physical play, both sides clashed fiercely on the field right from the start. The referee, hailing from Mauritania, had to maintain discipline amid the intensity, issuing yellow cards to Sundowns players Lucas Ribeiro and Mohamed Zrida within the first six minutes. This set the tone for what would be a tumultuous game.
Heartbreak soon struck for Mamelodi Sundowns as Bathusi Aubaas received a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Younes Najjari just before the first half ended. This was compounded by another ejection, as fellow Sundowns player Khuliso Mudau would also be sent off during injury time, leaving Sundowns with nine players on the field. Meanwhile, Raja capitalized on this numerical advantage.
Just before halftime, Raja pressed their attack and found the breakthrough they were desperately seeking. Benaissa Benamar latched onto the ball from a corner kick, firing it home amid appeals for offside. The goal, scored with incredible poise, shifted momentum firmly to the home team and echoed the importance of their tactical execution.
Despite their setbacks, Sundowns came out fighting in the second half. They aimed for equalization, but struggle met with stout defending from Raja. A free-kick taken by Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena was expertly parried away by Raja’s goalkeeper Anas Zniti, quelling any hopes of the visitors leveling the score.
Raja remained resolute, even as they too faced discipline issues, with Marouane Zila receiving red late on. The match ended with Sundowns unable to find the net, making it an unfortunate evening for the South African side who had previously enjoyed success returning from the CAF Champions League.
Post-match analysis revealed the match's significance extended beyond the scoreline. Raja’s strategic victory would boost their spirits and brighten their group stage outlook. With FAR Rabat topping group standings after defeating Maniema Union, Raja’s chances of advancing now hinged on their performance against FAR next week. A win would solidify their quest for the knockout rounds and showcase their resilience.
This match exemplified the competitive nature of African club football, as showcased by Raja's triumph. While Sundowns experienced their first defeat of this group stage, they would need to seek answers and augment their chances of success as they continue their campaign.
With this victory, Raja Casablanca not only secured three points but also opened doors for themselves as they aim for qualification. The stakes are higher than ever, and football remains filled with unpredictable turns, with next week's clash against FAR Rabat promising to captivate fans and analysts alike.