Raja Crush Tanger 2-0 in Botola Pro Clash

Raja Casablanca 2-0 Ittihad Tanger: Botola Pro Match Report

Raja Casablanca struck early and late in a commanding 2-0 victory over Ittihad Tanger in a pulsating Botola Pro encounter that saw the Green Eagles soar to seventh in the table. From the first whistle, the Stade Mohammed V crackled with derby intensity — and Raja channeled it perfectly.

Raja’s Lightning Start

The hosts needed just seven minutes to draw first blood. When Aymen Barkok stepped up to take a penalty after a handball, 60,000 voices held their breath. His stutter-step run-up fooled keeper Bilal Abyir, who dove early as Barkok coolly slotted left. The eruption shook the stadium’s foundations.

Tanger responded with possession (51%) but no cutting edge. Raja’s backline, marshaled by the impeccable Boubacar Arrassi, swallowed every attack whole. The visitors’ frustration boiled over when Ismail Mokadem earned a yellow for a tactical foul — a small price to pay for halting a dangerous counter.

El Amloud’s Hammer Blow

Just when Tanger thought they’d survive to regroup at half-time, Raja delivered the sucker punch. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Adam Ennaffati’s whipped cross found Ayoub El Amloud ghosting in at the far post. His downward header left Abyir no chance, sending the ultras into raptures.

Tanger’s halftime double substitution screamed desperation. But Raja’s defensive discipline never wavered, limiting their guests to just one shot on target despite 13 attempts. When Bilal Ouadghiri el saw yellow for a cynical trip in the 66th minute, Tanger’s challenge effectively ended.

What This Means

For Raja, this was a statement. Paco Jémez’s men have now won three straight, their 4-3-3 system purring. Barkok’s penalty prowess (3/3 this season) and El Amloud’s marauding runs make them genuine title contenders.

Tanger’s toothless display raises questions. Despite fielding five attackers after the break, they managed just six shots on target. Coach Abdelhak Benchikha must address their profligacy before facing FUS Rabat next week.

As the final whistle blew, Raja’s players saluted their adoring fans. In Casablanca, hope is alive. In Tangier, soul-searching begins.

Key Moments

7′ ⚽ Raja Casablanca — Aymen Barkok

45+7′ ⚽ Raja Casablanca — Ayoub El Amloud (assist: Adam Ennaffati)