FAR Rabat stunned Raja Casablanca with a 2-0 victory in a fiery Moroccan derby at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Tuesday night.
Ahmed Hammoudan gave the visitors an early advantage, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to find the bottom corner in the 41st minute.
Raja had an opportunity to equalise when awarded a penalty in the second half, but Sabir Bougrine’s effort was saved, much to the dismay of the home fans.
Khalid Aït Ouarkhane sealed the win for FAR Rabat in stoppage time, finishing off a counterattack led by substitute Zakaria Ajoughlal.
The victory was a statement performance from FAR Rabat, marking their first competitive win over Raja since 2020.
The result puts FAR Rabat at the top of Group B, while Raja are left to regroup after a disappointing start.
Orlando Pirates Edge Belouizdad in Algiers
Orlando Pirates made a triumphant return to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962.
Mohau Nkota was the hero for the South African side, scoring a sensational brace in the first half.
His first goal, a composed finish in the fifth minute, gave the visitors an early edge.
Nkota doubled the lead in the 27th minute with a thunderous strike from outside the box that left the goalkeeper rooted.
Belouizdad fought back after halftime, with Khanyisa Mayo heading in from a corner to halve the deficit.
Despite heavy pressure from the Algerian side in the closing stages, the Pirates’ defense stood firm to secure a valuable away victory.
The win sees Orlando Pirates tied with Al Ahly at the top of Group C, trailing only on goal difference.
Esperance Tunis Dominate Djoliba in Tunis
Esperance Tunis delivered a commanding performance, routing Djoliba 4-0 at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi.
Raed Bouchniba set the tone early with a sharp finish in the fourth minute. Elias Mokwana doubled the lead with a clinical strike before halftime.
Oussama Bouguerra added a third with a powerful header in the second half, while substitute Koussay Maacha rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.
Djoliba struggled to keep up with Esperance’s pace and precision, managing only a handful of attempts on goal.
The win moves Esperance level with Pyramids FC at the top of Group D, with both sides boasting dominant opening victories.
Group Standings After Matchday 1:
Group B:
- FAR Rabat – 3 points
- Mamelodi Sundowns – 1 point
- Maniema Union – 1 point
- Raja Casablanca – 0 points
Group C:
- Al Ahly – 3 points
- Orlando Pirates – 3 points
- CR Belouizdad – 0 points
- Stade d’Abidjan – 0 points
Group D:
- Pyramids FC – 3 points
- Esperance Tunis – 3 points
- Sagrada Esperança – 0 points
- Djoliba – 0 points
