The optimistic hypothesis of a Casablanca derby in the African Supercup seems less and less likely. But it is not for all that inconceivable. Unlike Raja de Casablanca, author of a white draw in the semi-final first leg of the Confederation Cup on the lawn of Pyramids FC, Wydad almost mortgaged his chances of qualifying in the final of the Champions League, s ‘Tipping at home (0-1) against the South Africans of Kaizer Chiefs.
That said, all hopes are still high for the WAC, traveling with its entire group, Saturday in South Africa (5 p.m.), but also for Raja, deprived of Hafidi (muscle injury) and Arjoun (suspension) , during the reception of the Egyptians of Pyramids FC, Sunday evening (8 p.m.). At least, as long as you don’t take the words of left-back Mohamed Souboul at face value, who said you had to “forget the first leg and focus on the next one”.
More accuracy and presence in the surface
“We are determined to bring the qualification back to Johannesburg, despite our loss in the first leg against an opponent who only had one chance but made it happen,” said Tunisian WAC coach Faouzi Benzarti. He could also have shaken his players as they seemed apathetic in the first round. Without daring and precision, it is difficult to score goals and even less to win a game. The Wydad performance last Saturday is the perfect example.
Of the 25 shots attempted by Benzarti’s men, only 6 found the target (24%). Effectiveness at half mast confirmed by the Xg score (2.27). In other words, the WAC should have scored at least two goals. But the truth is, the Reds had too much waste to hope to win. In this case in the last opposing third (101 lost balls). With their backs to the goal, the WAC forwards have almost lost all the balls. The idea is therefore to regain technical mastery, but also not to confuse speed and haste.
Indeed, despite a possession of 75%, the eleven wydadi lacked patience and discernment, not exceeding five passes on average per possession (4.6). To overcome this problem, which clearly prevents the game from progressing, it will be necessary to find relays in the midfield much closer to the carrier, without forgetting to alternate by removing the game and the opposing defensive lines as much as possible to offer a little more space and time to attackers. In addition, the Wydad will have no choice but to put more people in the penalty area. El Kaabi alone is unable to weigh on the South African defense. Defensively, precisely, the WAC would be well inspired to monitor the opposing transitions like milk on fire, and in particular the Sudafs wingers, but also and above all to adjust the defensive alignment on offside.
Put your foot on the ball
In the first leg, Raja left the ball to the Egyptians to better counter them. But this strategy, which failed to work in Egypt, risks being counterproductive to the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca. If the Greens do not have the obligation to score to qualify, the fact remains that a goal would protect them against probable regrets. Lassaad Chebbi’s protégés must take the game on their own so as not to suffer the events, as was the case during the perilous second half last Sunday.
The first track to be exploited is illustrated by Ben Malongo. A week ago, the Raja only crossed 9 times (22% success). Not enough for a team with a center forward whose head game is the main asset. To better exploit this advantage, Rahimi must also be a little fairer in his movements, he who has a habit of wandering around the entire front of the attack. By approaching Malongo, he will not only be able to monopolize one or two opposing defenders but also be on the lookout for a ball in the penalty area. He had two last Saturday, but he harvested them. Charge to him to adjust the sights to find the way of the nets.
Chady Chaabi
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