Safi hold Wydad in dramatic Moroccan derby as TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final remains wide open

Moroccan sides Olympique Club de Safi and Wydad Athletic Club played out an intense 1–1 draw in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final, leaving qualification for the semi-finals finely balanced ahead of the decisive return match.

The highly anticipated Moroccan derby, played at Al Massira Stadium, delivered a dramatic evening of football in front of a passionate crowd as both teams battled fiercely for an early advantage in the knockout tie.

Wydad appeared to be heading for an important away victory after taking the lead midway through the second half, but Safi produced a determined late response to equalise and keep their hopes of progressing alive.

With the scoreline level after the first leg, the fate of the quarter-final will now be decided in the return match scheduled to take place in Casablanca next week.

A cautious start in tense derby

As expected in a match of such magnitude, the opening stages were dominated by caution from both sides.

The two teams focused on maintaining defensive organisation, resulting in a tightly contested first half with limited clear scoring opportunities.

Wydad showed slightly greater attacking intent during this period, with efforts from Wissam Ben Yedder and Ramiro Vaca, but Safi goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani remained alert to deny the visitors.

Safi attempted to threaten on the counterattack through their forward line, but the Wydad defence held firm as the teams went into the interval with the score still goalless.

Wydad break the deadlock

The match came to life in the second half as the tempo increased and both teams began to take greater attacking risks.

Wydad eventually found the breakthrough in the 67th minute following a well-constructed move that involved several players.

Midfielder Walid Nassi played a key role in the build-up before the ball reached Vaca inside the penalty area. The Bolivian midfielder finished calmly to give the Casablanca side a deserved lead.

The goal reflected Wydad’s growing influence in the match as they began to dominate possession and create more dangerous situations around Safi’s penalty area.

Safi respond with determination

Despite falling behind, Safi refused to give up and gradually increased their attacking efforts in search of an equaliser.

Coach Chokri Khatoui introduced tactical changes that injected fresh energy into the home side’s play, allowing them to push Wydad deeper into their own half.

Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when midfielder Saleheddine Rahouli unleashed a powerful strike that hit the post before deflecting off Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid and into the net.

The goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and dramatically changed the complexion of the tie.

Late drama and VAR intervention

The closing minutes produced further drama as both sides pushed for a decisive goal.

Wydad believed they had regained the lead in stoppage time when Nassi found the back of the net following a quick attacking move.

However, after consulting the Video Assistant Referee, the referee ruled out the goal for a foul earlier in the build-up, ensuring the match ended level.

Historic occasion for Safi

For Safi, the match carried special significance as the club was appearing in the quarter-finals of an African competition for the first time in its history.

Their progress to this stage followed an impressive group-stage campaign in which they finished second in their group to secure a place among the last eight.

In contrast, Wydad entered the tie with vast continental experience, having built a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful clubs.

Everything to play for in Casablanca

With the first leg ending in a draw, the battle for a place in the semi-finals will now be decided in the return leg at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca.

Wydad will hope to take advantage of home support in the decisive encounter, while Safi will take confidence from their ability to compete with one of Morocco’s football heavyweights.

The winner of the tie will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face the victor of the quarter-final clash between AS Maniema Union and USM Alger.

After an entertaining first leg, the stage is now set for another dramatic chapter when the two Moroccan rivals meet again with continental progress at stake.