CAF Cup Quarter-Finals: A Moroccan Showdown
On March 12, 2026, the stage is set for an exciting encounter in the CAF Cup quarter-finals as Olympic Safi faces off against Wydad Casablanca at the El Massira Stadium. Both teams harbor the same ambition: to secure a place in the semi-finals ahead of the return match in Casablanca. This highly anticipated match not only promises to be a fierce competition but also reflects the growing stature of Moroccan football on the continental stage.
Having progressed through the group stages with commendable performances, Wydad Casablanca topped Group B, while Olympic Safi secured their spot by finishing second in Group A. Olympic Safi, making their debut in a continental competition, aims to continue their remarkable journey after reaching the quarter-finals. They plan to leverage the home advantage and the support of their fans to achieve a positive result against a formidable opponent, who is also considered a favorite to clinch the continental title.
Team Dynamics and Historical Rivalry
Despite struggling in the Botola Pro D1 where they currently sit at the bottom of the table, Olympic Safi is determined to use their performance in the CAF Cup as a launching pad to turn their national league fortunes around. They attained the quarter-finals by accumulating 13 points, consisting of four wins, one draw, and one defeat, with a goal tally of 7 scored and 4 conceded.
On the other hand, Wydad Casablanca approaches this match with confidence, buoyed by their recent comeback victory against Union Touarga (4-3) in the national league. With vast experience in African competitions, Wydad aims for a comfortable result that could lead them to an early qualification for the semi-finals. However, they must address defensive weaknesses observed in their last two league matches, where they conceded five goals, compounded by the absence of key players Hakim Ziyech and Noureddine Amrabat due to injuries.
Historically, Wydad has had the upper hand in their encounters, winning 23 out of 44 meetings across all competitions, while Olympic Safi has claimed victory in 9, with 12 matches ending in a draw. The upcoming clash promises to be gripping, not only for the teams involved but also for fans eager to witness a display of skill and determination on the field.
As reported by telquel.ma.
