The defending champions IRT Tanger delivered a commanding performance at home, defeating Wydad Casablanca 78-62 in a Morocco D1 League clash that showcased their defensive grit and balanced scoring. Played on June 23, 2026, at 01:00 local time, the match saw the hosts take control early and never relinquish it, improving their standings in the league table.

Match Overview

IRT Tanger entered the contest with a reputation for disciplined half-court offense and aggressive perimeter defense. Wydad Casablanca, known for their athletic transition game, struggled to find rhythm against a compact Tanger zone. The hosts led 22-16 after the first quarter and extended the margin to 12 points by halftime, 42-30. Wydad briefly cut the deficit to eight in the third period, but a crucial 10-2 run by IRT Tanger in the final minutes of the quarter sealed the result.

Key Moments

• First-quarter dominance: IRT Tanger opened with a 14-4 run, forcing Wydad into early foul trouble. Center Yassine El Malki scored eight points in the period, working the pick-and-roll effectively.
• Third-quarter response: Wydad Casablanca’s guard Ayoub Benali hit back-to-back three-pointers to trim the lead to 54-46, but Tanger answered with a timeout and an immediate alley-oop play that swung momentum back.
• Closing stretch: Up by 16 with five minutes left, IRT Tanger’s bench players maintained the intensity, holding Wydad to just 12 points in the final quarter. A fast-break dunk by substitute forward Reda El Oufir with 90 seconds left drew the loudest cheer of the night.

Standout Performers

IRT Tanger’s attack was led by veteran guard Mohamed Chami, who finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Center Yassine El Malki contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, controlling the paint at both ends. For Wydad Casablanca, Ayoub Benali scored 18 points, including 3 triples, but his supporting cast managed only 44 combined points on 31% shooting.

Tactical Story

IRT Tanger’s game plan centered on neutralizing Wydad’s transition game. By crashing the offensive glass sparingly and sending four players back on defense, the home team forced Wydad into a half-court battle. Tanger’s ball movement was crisp, generating 21 assists on 31 made field goals. Defensively, they switched on every screen, disrupting Wydad’s pick-and-roll combinations. The visitors’ inability to hit outside shots (7-of-24 from three) compounded their struggles.

Season Impact

With this win, IRT Tanger moved to 12-5 in the Morocco D1 League, solidifying their place among the top four teams chasing the title. Wydad Casablanca dropped to 9-8, facing increased pressure to secure a playoff spot. Next up for IRT Tanger is a road trip to face AS Salé, while Wydad will look to regroup against FUS Rabat. If Tanger continues this level of defensive execution, they will be a formidable opponent come postseason.