Olympic Club de Safi progressed to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Wydad Casablanca, advancing on aggregate following a 3-3 tie.
In a match filled with controversy, late drama, and momentum swings, Olympic Safi held their nerve despite a late Wydad fightback.
The match began with high intensity, but the turning point came early when Wydad Casablanca were reduced to ten men. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid was shown a red card in the 24th minute following a VAR review after fouling Imad Khannouss outside the area.
Olympic Safi capitalised on their numerical advantage and took the lead in the 40th minute. Sofiane El Moudane calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
Despite being a man down, Wydad responded with determination. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Mohamed Moufid equalised with a composed finish from close range after good work from Hamza Hannouri, ensuring the sides went into the break level at 1-1.
Wydad, backed by their home support, showed resilience and pushed forward in search of a decisive goal. Chances fell to Hakim Ziyech and Walid Sabbar, but Olympic Safi remained dangerous on the counter.
The visitors stunned the hosts in the 90th minute when Moussa Koné finished clinically from inside the box to restore Olympic Safi’s lead, seemingly sealing qualification.
However, the drama was far from over.
With eight minutes of added time, Wydad threw everything forward. Their persistence paid off in the 97th minute when Hakim Ziyech curled in a superb free-kick to make it 2-2 on the night.
Despite the equaliser, Olympic Safi held on through the remaining minutes of stoppage time, surviving late pressure and a flurry of chances to secure progression.
The tie ended 3-3 on aggregate, but Olympic Safi advanced to the semi-finals after a disciplined and opportunistic performance across both legs.
Wydad Casablanca will rue their early red card and missed opportunities, while Olympic Safi celebrate a hard-fought qualification.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
