Ittihad Riadi Tanger and Raja Club Athletic played out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Botola Pro encounter on June 29, 2026, at the Stade Ibn Batouta. The match was a tale of two halves, with Raja dominating early only to be pegged back by a determined Tangier side.
Match Overview
Raja Casablanca entered the fixture as favorites, sitting near the top of the table, while Ittihad Tanger hoped to use home advantage to climb away from the lower reaches. The first half belonged to the visitors, whose technical quality and movement caused problems for the hosts. Ittihad Tanger, however, grew into the game after the break.
Key Moments
- 23' – Raja took the lead. A flowing team move ended with midfielder Mohamed Ali Benarbia sliding the ball through for winger Hamza Moukhtar, who finished calmly.
- 58' – Ittihad Tanger equalized. A long throw into the box was not cleared, and striker Younes Oulhaj pounced to prod the ball home from six yards.
- 75' – Raja thought they had scored again, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside call against their center-forward.
Tactical Battle
Raja's early dominance was built on high pressing and quick combinations in the final third. Ittihad Tanger struggled to retain possession and often resorted to long balls. At halftime, the home coach switched to a more direct style, using target man Younes Oulhaj to hold up play. This shift paid dividends, as Tanger began to win second balls and create half-chances. Raja, perhaps complacent, could not regain their first-half rhythm and had to settle for a point.
Standout Performers
- Younes Oulhaj (Ittihad Tanger) – His physical presence and goal were crucial in salvaging a point.
- Hamza Moukhtar (Raja) – Scored a well-taken goal and was a constant outlet on the wing.
- Mohamed Ali Benarbia (Raja) – Intelligent movement and passing created numerous chances.
League Implications
The draw slows Raja Casablanca's momentum in the title race, as they drop two points against a lower-ranked opponent. For Ittihad Tanger, the point is a valuable boost in their fight for survival, keeping them just outside the relegation zone. The result also highlights the competitive nature of the Botola Pro, where no match is a foregone conclusion.

