Kawkab Marrakech
Kawkab Marrakech 1-1 Difaa EL Jadida: Late Penalty Heartbreak in Botola Pro
Kawkab Marrakech were minutes away from a heroic victory with ten men until Mouad Mouchtanim’s 90th-minute penalty snatched a 1-1 draw for Difaa EL Jadida in a fiery Botola Pro clash.
Marrakech’s Early Control
The hosts struck first in the 19th minute when Hamza Smaali coolly converted a penalty, sending the Kawkab faithful into raptures. EL Jadida’s frustration showed immediately as Boulkassoum Diarra and Ayoub Khafi El picked up yellow cards within three minutes of going behind.
Marrakech’s disciplined defensive shape limited EL Jadida to hopeful crosses despite their 61% possession. The home side nearly doubled their lead before halftime through set-pieces, forcing five corners to EL Jadida’s seven on the night.
Rabja’s Madness Changes Everything
The match turned in first-half stoppage time when Mouhcine Rabja saw red for a reckless challenge. Suddenly, Youssef Safri’s men faced 45 minutes of siege football with ten men.
EL Jadida piled forward after the break, making five attacking substitutions. Ricardo Chéu threw on Anass Mostakime and Achraf Idrissi, who both received immediate yellow cards as tensions flared.
Marrakech’s Heroic Resistance
For 43 second-half minutes, Kawkab’s back five held firm. Abdelkarim Baadi and Nabil Khali threw their bodies into every block while goalkeeper Anas El Ouad made six crucial saves.
The home crowd roared with every clearance, sensing an against-all-odds victory. But with two minutes remaining, EL Jadida finally broke through when referee Lahcen Azgaou pointed to the spot.
Mouchtanim’s Ice-Cold Reply
Mouad Mouchtanim, who had been quiet all night, stepped up under crushing pressure. The veteran striker sent El Ouad the wrong way, sparking wild celebrations in the away end while Marrakech players collapsed to the turf.
The result leaves both teams mid-table after five rounds, but the emotional toll couldn’t be more different. Kawkab must regroup after throwing away two points in cruel fashion, while EL Jadida will ride this momentum into next week’s derby against Chabab Mohammédia.
Key Moments
19′ ⚽ Kawkab Marrakech — Hamza Smaali
90′ ⚽ Difaa EL Jadida — Mouad mouchtanim
