A fierce Moroccan derby in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup ended with everything still to play for after Olympique Club de Safi and Wydad Athletic Club battled to a dramatic 1–1 draw in the first leg of their knockout tie.
Played at the vibrant Al Massira Stadium, the match delivered tension, drama, and late controversy as both Moroccan sides fought for a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Casablanca.
With the tie now perfectly balanced, qualification for the semi-finals will be decided next week when the teams meet again at the iconic Mohammed V Stadium.
Cagey Start in High-Stakes Derby
As expected in a clash between two domestic rivals on the continental stage, the match began cautiously.
Both teams focused heavily on defensive organization, knowing that conceding early could shift momentum dramatically in a two-legged tie.
While the opening half produced few clear-cut chances, Wydad gradually looked the more adventurous of the two sides. The Casablanca giants tried to impose themselves through attacking efforts from experienced striker Wissam Ben Yedder and creative midfielder Ramiro Vaca.
However, Safi goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani remained alert throughout the first half, producing key interventions to keep the visitors at bay.
At the other end, Safi attempted to threaten on the counterattack but struggled to break through Wydad’s disciplined defensive setup. The teams eventually headed into halftime with the score still 0–0, leaving the contest finely poised.
Wydad Strike First
The match finally burst into life in the second half as both sides increased the tempo and began committing more players forward.
The breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute, and it was Wydad who struck first.
Midfielder Walid Nassi played a crucial role in the build-up, linking play effectively before the ball found its way to Ramiro Vaca inside the penalty area.
The Bolivian midfielder kept his composure and produced a clinical finish to give Wydad a deserved lead.
The goal reflected the growing control Wydad were exerting on the match, as they began to dominate possession and create more dangerous situations around Safi’s box.
For a moment, it looked as though the Casablanca side would take a crucial away advantage into the second leg.
Safi Refuse to Fold
But Safi were not ready to surrender their historic moment on the continental stage.
Head coach Chokri Khatoui responded by introducing tactical adjustments that injected fresh energy into the home side’s attacking play.
Gradually, Safi began pushing Wydad deeper into their own half, forcing the visitors to defend more aggressively.
Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute.
Midfielder Saleheddine Rahouli unleashed a powerful effort that struck the post before ricocheting off Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid and into the net.
The dramatic equaliser sent the home crowd into wild celebration and completely transformed the momentum of the tie.
VAR Drama in Stoppage Time
The final moments produced even more tension.
Deep into stoppage time, Wydad believed they had snatched a dramatic winner when Walid Nassi found the back of the net following a rapid attacking move.
However, celebrations were cut short after the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Following the review, the goal was ruled out due to a foul earlier in the build-up, ensuring the match ended level.
Historic Night for Safi
For Olympique Club de Safi, the occasion carried extra significance.
The club is competing in the quarter-finals of an African competition for the first time in its history, marking a major milestone in its continental journey.
Their progression to this stage came after an impressive group-stage campaign in which they finished second in their group to secure a place among Africa’s last eight.
All to Play for in Casablanca
In contrast, Wydad Athletic Club arrived with immense continental pedigree, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful and experienced clubs.
That experience will now be crucial when the two sides meet again in Casablanca.
With the aggregate score level at 1–1, the return leg promises to be another electrifying encounter.
The winner will progress to the semi-finals, where they will face the victor of the quarter-final clash between AS Maniema Union and USM Alger.
After a gripping first chapter in Safi, Moroccan football fans and the wider African football audience are now eagerly awaiting the decisive battle in Casablanca, where only one team will keep their continental dream alive.
