Meknes Sports Club claimed a hard-fought victory over Raja Casablanca on Sunday night at the Honorary Stadium in Meknes, as the hosts secured an important win in the eleventh round of the Moroccan Botola Pro 1.
The home side owed much of their success to goalkeeper Reda Bounaka, whose decisive intervention proved pivotal.
Bounaka produced a brilliant penalty save in the final minute of the first half, denying Adam Nafati and preserving Meknes’ momentum in a tightly contested encounter.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 71st minute in unfortunate circumstances for the visitors, as Raja defender Othman Chraibi turned the ball into his own net to hand Meknes the lead. The goal proved enough to separate the two sides on the night.
Raja were also dealt an early blow when midfielder Ayman Barqouq was forced off through injury, disrupting their rhythm and limiting their attacking options as the match progressed.
The victory lifts Meknes to 19 points and fourth place on the league table, level on points with Raja Casablanca, who remain third despite the defeat.
