Morocco: Hakim Ziyech double helps Wydad Casablanca secure home win over COD Meknes

Wydad Casablanca returned to winning form with a 2-0 victory over COD Meknes in their Botola Pro D1 “Inwi” matchday 19 encounter, with Hakim Ziyech scoring both goals for the hosts.

The win came at home and provided Wydad with an important response after recent performances, as they looked to maintain their position near the top end of the table.

Ziyech proved to be the decisive figure in the match, scoring twice in the first half to secure all three points for the Red and Whites.

He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before doubling the lead just before half-time in the 45th minute, giving Wydad a comfortable advantage going into the break.

The early breakthrough allowed the home side to control the rhythm of the game, with COD Meknes struggling to recover from the quick double setback.

Wydad managed the second half effectively, ensuring that their defensive structure remained solid and preventing any comeback from the visitors.

Despite attempts from COD Meknes to reduce the deficit, the home side maintained their shape and saw out the match without conceding.

The result means Wydad Casablanca remain in fourth place in the Botola standings with 34 points, keeping them in the race for the upper positions of the league table.

COD Meknes, meanwhile, stay in seventh place with 27 points after the defeat, with their position in mid-table unchanged despite the loss.

While the result did not cause any immediate change in the league standings for either side, it provided Wydad with a valuable return to winning form at a key stage of the season.

The performance of Ziyech was the standout aspect of the match, with his two goals proving the difference between the sides.

His influence in the attacking third was decisive, as Wydad capitalised on their early dominance to secure a controlled victory in front of their supporters.

The match highlighted Wydad’s ability to respond positively in key fixtures, particularly when playing at home, where they have traditionally been strong in domestic competition.

COD Meknes will now look to recover in their upcoming fixtures as they attempt to improve their position in the league table during the second half of the season.

For Wydad, the focus will remain on maintaining consistency as they continue their campaign in the Botola Pro D1, with the aim of closing the gap on the teams above them.

The victory reinforces their position as one of the competitive sides in the league, even if they remain outside the top three for now.

With Ziyech in scoring form, Wydad will hope to build momentum in the coming weeks as the season progresses.