Wydad Athletic Club hit by Joseph Bakasu suspension ahead of decisive AS FAR clash

Wydad Athletic Club will be forced into a key adjustment for Wednesday night’s high-stakes Clasico against AS FAR, with head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem unable to call on suspended midfielder Joseph Bakasu for the rescheduled league encounter.

The Congolese player is ruled out after accumulating four yellow cards this season, triggering an automatic one-match ban from the Moroccan Professional League’s disciplinary committee. His latest caution arrived during Wydad’s recent outing against RS Berkane, where a challenge on Ayoub Khairi proved costly.

The suspension comes at a delicate moment, with the ninth-round fixture carrying significant weight in the title race and broader league standings.

Bakasu’s absence removes an important component from Wydad’s midfield structure. Known for his physical presence and ball recovery, he has been instrumental in stabilising transitions and shielding the defensive line.

Losing that balance against a direct rival such as AS FAR presents a tactical dilemma for Benhachem, who must now reshuffle his options in the centre of the park.

There is, however, a measure of relief for the Casablanca giants. Abdelghafour Lamirat returns to contention after being deliberately rested in recent matches to avoid suspension.

The technical staff opted to sideline him in fixtures against Olympique Dcheira and RS Berkane, protecting him from picking up a fourth booking that would have sidelined him for this marquee contest. His availability offers much-needed depth and experience as Wydad prepare for one of their most demanding assignments of the campaign.

The match will be staged at the iconic Mohammed V Sports Complex, with kick-off set for 10:00 p.m. local time. Beyond league points, pride and momentum are on the line whenever Wydad and AS FAR meet, and the stakes feel even higher given the tight margins at the top.