Casablanca’s prominent football clubs, Raja and Wydad, are grappling with a new logistical issue as the Larbi Zaouli Stadium prepares to host the CAF Women’s Champions League, leaving both teams searching for alternative venues for their upcoming fixtures.
Morocco will host the CAF Women’s Champions League from 9 to 25 November, with matches set to be played at Larbi Zaouli Stadium and the Père Jégo Stadium.
The timing presents a complication for Raja and Wydad, who rely on Larbi Zaouli as their home base and will need to relocate their scheduled matches during the championship.
An exclusive source told Kooora, “The CAF Women’s Champions League at Larbi Zaouli coincides with the international break for national teams,” clarifying that this overlap affects only a portion of the teams’ upcoming schedules.
“This means Wydad and Raja will only have to play one match each away from Larbi Zaouli,” the source continued, adding that preparations are underway to decide the location for the highly anticipated derby between the two rivals.
Arrangements are also being discussed to determine the stadium that will host Raja’s CAF Champions League clash with the Royal Army Club.
Berrechid Stadium, located near Casablanca, has emerged as the most feasible alternative if other solutions are not found, the source explained.
The venue is being considered to host Raja, Wydad, and Shabab Mohammedia matches should Larbi Zaouli be unavailable for an extended period.
Currently, Wydad sits in ninth place in Morocco’s league standings with 11 points, while Raja is close behind in 11th place, also with 11 points.
Both clubs are under pressure to adapt swiftly to the venue changes, which could affect their momentum in the tightly contested league.