Olympique Safi Secures Semi-Final Spot After Thrilling Draw Against Wydad Casablanca
The Olympique Club de Safi has officially clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup following a dramatic draw (2-2) against Wydad Casablanca in a Moroccan derby filled with unexpected twists and moments of suspense. The aggregate score of 3-3 benefited Safi due to the away goals rule, as they had previously drawn the first leg (1-1).
This match was characterized by notable events, including momentum shifts and a nail-biting conclusion, as Olympique Safi maintained their composure despite a late resurgence from Wydad. The turning point of the match occurred in the 24th minute when Wydad's goalkeeper, El Mehdi Benabid, was shown a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Imad Khannouss outside the penalty area. This setback proved costly for Wydad, opening the door for Safi to capitalize on the situation.
In the 40th minute, Sofiane El Moudane calmly converted a penalty, putting the visitors ahead and setting the stage for an intense battle. Despite being down to ten men, Wydad refused to give up. Just before halftime, in stoppage time, Mohamed Moufid took advantage of a well-constructed play by Hamza Hannouri to equalize from close range, reigniting the drama as the teams went into the break at 1-1.
In the second half, buoyed by their home crowd, Wydad continued to press for goals, with Hakim Ziyech and Walid Sabbar creating promising chances. However, Safi remained a threat on the counterattack, showcasing their tactical discipline throughout the match.
The match reached its climax in the dying moments. With the game seemingly destined for another draw, Olympique Safi struck decisively in the 90th minute when Moussa Koné found the back of the net, regaining the lead and putting Safi on the brink of qualification. But Wydad was not done yet. In a dramatic eight minutes of added time, they launched a final assault. In the 97th minute, Hakim Ziyech showcased his brilliance with a stunning curled free-kick to equalize once again.
Despite this late equalizer, Safi held firm in the closing moments to secure their place in the next round. The 2-2 draw reflects the tactical discipline and tenacity exhibited by Olympique Safi across both legs of the tie, while Wydad can only lament missed opportunities and the impact of their goalkeeper's early dismissal.
With this outcome, Olympique Safi can celebrate a well-deserved qualification, achieved through mental resilience and a thrilling derby encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
As reported by cafonline.com.
