Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad Athletic Club moved up to second place on the Botola Pro League standings following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Olympic Club de Safi at Stade Larbi Zaouli stadium on Friday night. 

Midfielder Oussama Zemraoui,22, who was part of city rivals Raja Club Athletic’s under-19 setup before spreading his wings to the UAE in 2019, scored the decisive goal four minutes from kick-off which proved enough to secure maximum points. 

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula thought he had doubled the lead for the Moroccan giants in the 27th minute but VAR ruled the goal out for offside in what was his third consecutive league start since opening his account against FUS Rabat. 

In addition to Mailula, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, who followed Mokwena out the exit door at Chloorkop is another Sundowns player who was afforded a starting berth at the heart of the defense. 

The center-back signed on a free transfer in the off-season after mutual termination with Downs. The highly rated South African tactician masterminded a win against a side that did the double over the Casablanca-based outfit, which also saw his charges end a run of back-to-back draws including one in the derby against Raja. 

In the last five matches, Mokwena’s troops have only suffered one defeat at the hands of rampant log leaders RS Berkane, who have won six on the trot and are currently seven points clear at the summit ahead of their match against Difa El Jadida on Sunday. 

The three-time African champions will be hoping to maintain the momentum as they look to restore their glory days and return to the CAF Champions League after missing out on this campaign following a disastrous 2023/24 season which saw them finish in sixth place. 

Courtesy of the latest result, Wydad have now won five matches in 12 league fixtures, drawing four and losing three with 19 points accumulated as they will be hoping for favorable outcomes in the weekend to avoid being dislodged from second with other teams having games in hand.