Wydad vs Raja: A Historic Rivalry
One of the fiercest derbies in world football took place yesterday at the iconic Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. Wydad Athletic Club, the hosts, battled Raja Casablanca, hoping to secure the first win over their rivals since 2022. The match ended 0-0, marking the 135th league encounter between the Casablanca giants.
Ranked number one in Africa and the Arab world, and considered one of the top ten derbies globally, anticipation had reached fever pitch, with the stadium selling out within 48 hours of tickets going on sale. However, while the build-up promised fireworks, the 90 minutes of football failed to match the pre-match excitement.
Star-Studded Squads and Lackluster Performance
The game was characterized by cautious play and limited attacking intent from both sides. Raja dominated possession with 56%, Wydad registered 7 shots, there were some intense duels, two one-on-one opportunities from both sides, but overall, neither team could break the deadlock. The match produced more than 100 minutes of often monotonous football.
Despite this underwhelming display, both squads boasted considerable quality. Wydad’s squad features 32 players including 10 foreigners, while Raja’s squad features 3 among its 24-player roster, reflecting a more domestic-focused approach. Amongst the nationalities featuring in yesterday’s derby are South Africa, Brazil, and the Netherlands, showcasing the international flavor of Moroccan football.
The match saw experienced campaigners such as Nordine Amrabat of Wydad, 38, and former Watford, Galatasaray, AEK Athens, and PSV Eindhoven star, alongside upcoming talents like Mehdi Mchakhchakh from Raja, who recently won the African Nations Championship with Morocco.
“The match saw experienced campaigners such as Nordine Amrabat of Wydad, 38, and former Watford, Galatasaray, AEK Athens, and PSV Eindhoven star, alongside upcoming talents like Mehdi Mchakhchakh from Raja, who recently won the African Nations Championship with Morocco.”
Fireworks’ Show: The Real Spectacle in the Stands
Where the players disappointed, the supporters more than compensated. Fans had to turn to the stands to witness a spectacle far more rhythmic, colorful, and enjoyable than the action on the pitch.
Supporters from both camps displayed fiery passion, delivered continuous tifos, and chants were sung almost non-stop throughout the encounter. The atmosphere was so intense that the match was halted multiple times due to thick smoke from flares, as visibility on the pitch became poor. The referee added almost 12 minutes of stoppage time at the end of each half.
This intense rivalry between the two sets of fans has earned global recognition. The incredible atmosphere that Wydad and Raja supporters create has become an attraction in its own right, with the passionate displays in the stands often overshadowing what happens on the field.
“The incredible atmosphere that Wydad and Raja supporters create has become an attraction in its own right, with the passionate displays in the stands often overshadowing what happens on the field.”
The rivalry is accentuated by historical social dimensions, with Wydad being associated with the middle class, while Raja representing the working-class values and populist politics. However, these ideological differences have faded over time, and supporters of both clubs now come from diverse social backgrounds, united only by their unwavering loyalty to their respective teams.
Hakim Ziyech: Casablanca’s Newest Attraction
Morocco international Hakim Ziyech, who recently signed with Wydad Casablanca, was present in the stands at Mohammed V Stadium to witness his first derby experience.
The former Chelsea and Ajax Amsterdam star signed as a free agent for Wydad after his contract with Qatari side Al-Duhail expired in the summer. His arrival represents a significant boost for Moroccan football, which continues to attract talented players back to domestic shores.
The move brings one of Morocco’s most decorated current internationals to the Botola Pro at a pivotal moment, enhancing the league’s profile and competitiveness on both continental and global stages.
Looking Ahead: Morocco’s Football Ascendancy
The derby, despite its lackluster on-pitch action, demonstrates how passionate fan culture elevates Moroccan football on the global stage. The incredible atmosphere created by Wydad and Raja fans serves as a powerful advertisement for the country’s football culture and infrastructure.
Morocco is gearing up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and atmospheres like yesterday’s showcase why the nation is perfectly positioned to deliver a memorable continental tournament. More than 120 construction and renovation projects are currently underway across six host cities as Morocco prepares to welcome Africa’s best teams and fans.
Events like the Casablanca derby prove that when it comes to football passion, spectacle, and creating unforgettable sporting experiences, Morocco is already at the top of its game and ready to shine on the continental stage.