Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca defeats Tunisia’s Esperance 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semifinal. Written by DZWatch, this article delves into the intense match that unfolded in Casablanca.
Wydad Takes the Lead with a Singular Goal
Soccer fans, are you sitting down? Sunday’s match was an adrenaline rush! Wydad Casablanca from Morocco clinched a 1-0 win against Esperance of Tunisia. The action took place at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. Hicham Bousfiha scored the decisive goal, tilting the balance in Wydad’s favor for the first leg of the CAF Champions League semifinal.
Playing it Safe for the Second Leg
Wydad, who finished as runners-up in last year’s championship, just needs to avoid a loss or a tie in any form during the return match in Tunisia on November 1. That will secure their spot in the grand finale of this prestigious tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
A Deceptive Cross and a Goal
Bousfiha made his mark in the 59th minute. His cross deceived Esperance’s goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia, finding the net and igniting celebrations in Casablanca.
Missed Opportunities Could Haunt Wydad
However, Wydad dominated the game but squandered several golden opportunities. These misses might come back to haunt them in the return leg in Tunisia. For example, a header by Ayoub El Amloud missed the mark in the 36th minute. Later, Amin Abou Fath tried his luck, but Cherifia blocked his attempt with skill.
Esperance Struggles But Shows Promise
Esperance also had their moments. Four minutes before halftime, they came close when Rodriguez’s header was skillfully saved by Wydad’s goalkeeper Youssef El Matyouty.
Last-Minute Drama
Near the end of the game, a header by El Amloud hit the crossbar, denying Wydad a more comfortable 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, Esperance’s Ghayth El Wahabi took a close-range shot, but El Matyouty kept his composure and grabbed the ball 20 minutes before the final whistle.
What’s Next?
The winner of this face-off will go head-to-head in the finals with the victor of the Al Ahly vs. Mamelodi Sundowns match from South Africa. In a previous encounter, Al Ahly, the reigning African champions, suffered a 1-0 loss against the Sundowns.
So, mark your calendars for the next thrilling chapter in this soccer saga. We’re in for an electric November!
