Wydad Athletic Club failed to climb to second in the Botola Pro standings after a 2-2 draw against ASFAR at the Stade Municipal Kenitra on Thursday.
The match, a lively encounter played in Kenitra, saw ASFAR take an early lead in the fifth minute through captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat. Wydad responded quickly with two goals in succession from Mohamed Moufid and Mohamed Rayhi, the equalizer assisted by Cassius Mailula, putting them in control after just 20 minutes.
However, ASFAR, a consistent title contender in recent seasons, used their experience to regain control. Five minutes into the second half, Youssef El Fahli capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Youssef El Motie to level the score.
Despite being reduced to ten men after Abdelmounaim Boutouil was sent off with 15 minutes remaining for preventing a clear scoring opportunity, ASFAR held on for the draw. Their direct style of play and pace on the counter-attack posed a constant threat.
The 2-2 result leaves Wydad one point behind Renaissance Club Athletic Zemamra and seven points adrift of league leaders RS Berkane, who also have a game in hand.