Unstoppable Raja Casablanca win 13th Moroccan Championship title

Raja Casablanca was crowned champion of Morocco on Friday, June 14, following a spectacular 3-0 victory against Mouloudia Club d’Oujda on the 30th and final day of the Botola Pro D1 season. This triumph marks their thirteenth league title, adding to their victories in 1988, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2020.

The Greens have written a new chapter in history by finishing the season undefeated, becoming the first Moroccan team to achieve this feat. By completing the season without a loss, Raja joins the prestigious club of invincible teams alongside Arsenal (2003-04), Juventus (2011-12), and more recently, Bayer Leverkusen (2023-24).

A Season of Records and Triumphs

With a total of 72 points, Raja Casablanca set a new record since the adoption of the 16-team format in 1989. Over the 30 matches of the season, they secured 21 wins and 9 draws. The final sprint was particularly impressive, with thirteen consecutive victories propelling Raja to the top of the championship in the last two matchdays.

The key to their invincibility lies in their ironclad defense, conceding only fifteen goals in 30 matches, averaging one goal every two games. The defensive quintet, consisting of goalkeeper Anas Zniti, central defenders Ismail Mokadem and Abdellah Khafifi, and full-backs Youssef Benlamri and Mohamed Boulacsout, was essential to this exceptional performance.

A Stellar Attack

In attack, fourteen different players scored for Raja, with Algerian right-winger Yousri Bouzok leading with twelve goals. Bouzok is also the club’s top assist provider with eight assists. The Greens scored a total of 49 goals, the second-highest in the league.

An Inspiring and Promising Journey

This triumph rewards the patience of supporters and the management who stood by German coach Josef Zinnbauer despite a mixed start to the season. Arriving in June 2023 after a difficult stint at Lokomotiv Moscow, Zinnbauer managed to turn things around, stringing together nine draws in his first fifteen matches before leading Raja to a decisive series of victories.

With this title, Raja Casablanca qualifies directly for next season’s CAF Champions League. Although the club has not won the competition in the 21st century, they have three CAF Champions League titles from 1989, 1997, and 1999. Fans hope that this new participation will be successful, following a quarter-final exit two years ago against eventual winners Al Ahly in Egypt.

Future Prospects

After finishing fifth last season, Raja finally recaptures the coveted title. The club remains in contention for the league and cup double, still competing in the Coupe du Trône. They will face MCO again on June 25 for a place in the final. If successful, Raja would become the second Moroccan club to achieve this feat since the 1995-96 season.

This thirteenth title and historic undefeated season confirm Raja Casablanca’s place among the greatest clubs in Morocco and Africa. The Green Eagles, invincible this season, have brilliantly inscribed their name in the pantheon of Moroccan football.

Abderrazzak Boussaid/Le7tv