Raja Club Athletic’s hopes of closing the gap at the top of the Botola Pro Inwi standings suffered a major blow on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Renaissance Berkane at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane.
The match began with high intensity, and Raja thought they had taken the lead in the 15th minute. A powerful shot from Mohamed Zrida found the net, but the goal was disallowed by the referee after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for an offside in the build-up.
Renaissance Berkane grew into the game and were rewarded just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Youssef Zghoud broke the deadlock, firing a precise shot past Raja’s goalkeeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Raja emerged with more purpose in the second half, pushing for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when young midfielder Hamza Khabba rose highest to head home a cross, leveling the score at 1-1.
Despite both teams searching for a winner in the final stages, neither could find a decisive second goal, and the match ended in a share of the points.
This result represents a significant missed opportunity for Raja, who remain in second place but see their title ambitions dented. The real beneficiary is league leaders Wydad Athletic Club, who now see their closest challengers drop points, strengthening Wydad’s position at the summit with a game in hand.
The draw leaves Raja on 50 points, while Wydad sit comfortably atop the table with 55 points, having played one match fewer. Renaissance Berkane solidify their position in third place with 44 points.
