The Raja's Odyssey: A Nail-Biting Journey to the Throne Cup Final
In a gripping encounter that defied all expectations, Raja de Casablanca narrowly escaped the clutches of Mouloudia Club d'Oujda (MCO) in the semifinals of the 2023 Throne Cup. The match, played in Agadir, proved to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride, with the underdogs from Oujda pushing the champions to the brink before ultimately succumbing to Raja's resilience and determination.
Contrary to their resounding 3-0 victory over MCO in the Botola Pro D1 just 12 days prior, Raja found themselves embroiled in a fierce battle against a side determined to salvage their pride. The Orientals came agonizingly close to securing a historic berth in the final, leading 3-2 after the first period of extra time. However, Riyad Benayad's brace extinguished their hopes and propelled Raja to a hard-fought 4-3 triumph.
From the outset, the stage was set for a titanic clash. Mouloudia d'Oujda, recently relegated to the second division, arrived in Agadir with a burning desire to script a remarkable comeback. Fouzi Jamal's men drew first blood in the 9th minute when Youssef Anouar capitalized on a defensive lapse, beating Anas Zniti to put the underdogs ahead.
Raja swiftly responded through Naoufal Zerhouni's headed equalizer in the 20th minute, followed by another goal from the winger in the 29th minute, courtesy of a delightful through ball from Saber Bougrine. The champions appeared poised to seize control, but the resilient Mouloudia had other plans.
After the break, the Orientals refused to surrender, with Youssef Anouar leading their charge. The diminutive forward orchestrated MCO's equalizer in the 68th minute, leaving Raja in a state of disbelief as they were forced into extra time, despite their apparent dominance.
The drama intensified in the additional periods, with Mouloudia d'Oujda seizing the initiative and capitalizing on a controversial penalty awarded after a VAR review. Anouar once again proved to be the thorn in Raja's side, converting from the spot to give his side a 3-2 lead in the 97th minute.
With their backs against the wall, Raja summoned their reserves of resilience, and coach Joseph Zinnbauer's tactical adjustments ultimately paid dividends. Riyad Benayad, introduced as a substitute, etched his name into the annals of Raja folklore with a brace that broke Oujda's hearts.
First, in the 109th minute, the Algerian forward showcased his skill and composure, dribbling past two defenders and the goalkeeper to level the scores. Then, with the clock ticking down and the prospect of a penalty shootout looming, Benayad delivered the knockout blow in the 119th minute, catching Mouloudia's goalkeeper off guard with a stunning strike that sealed Raja's place in the final.
As the dust settles on this pulsating encounter, Raja can now turn their attention to the ultimate showdown: a clash against their closest challengers in the league, AS FAR. Having narrowly avoided MCO's snare, the champions can expect another stern test against a side equally determined to etch their name in the annals of Moroccan football history.
In a season filled with twists and turns, the Throne Cup final promises to be the grandest stage of all. Raja's resilience and determination will be put to the ultimate test. Regardless of the outcome, their odyssey to the final has already cemented its place as a gripping tale of triumph over adversity, a testament to the enduring spirit of Moroccan football.