CS Sfaxien dropped two points for the second time in CAF Confederation Cup Group C after being held to a goalless draw by hosts Etoile du Sahel in a match played Stade de Olympique de Rades on Sunday.
Elsewhere, ASC Jaraaf picked their first win in three games to revive hopes of a quarter-final spot after overcoming Salitas 2-0 in a match played in Thies.
At Mohamed V Stadium, an own goal by Pyramid’s custodian Sherif Ekramy and a strike from Ben Malango ensured that Raja Casablanca maintained their unbeaten run by registering their third Group D victory.
The opening ten minutes of the game lacked quality with both sides giving the ball away too easily.
But while the home side dominated, Pyramids restricted Raja to shooting from distance and each time Sander Westerveld came out on top.
Raja opened the scoring on the 15th minute through a gift from goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy after he fumbled an innocuous shot from Madkour that was on its way out back into his own net.
Seven minutes later, DR Congo international Ben Malango added the second after capitalizing a defensive error from Pyramids backline.
The match started to open up for Pyramids in second stanza as they went close when Mohamed Farouk got in a first-time shot at goal, which Anas Zniti did very well to keep out at his near post.
Then in the 65th minute, Raja nearly scored again when Pyramids defender Ali Gabr lost the ball in a dangerous area and allowed Fabrice Ngoma to steal it and run at goal, but the experienced Ekramy made the save.
Malango nearly completed his brace in the 84th minute, the Raja striker ran the length of the pitch before firing just wide of Ekramy’s post.
In Tunis, CS Sfaxien needed to collect maximum points to extend their lead on the top of the Group C standings, but despite dominating the proceedings Jose Murcia’s charges failed to register a home win against their rivals Etoile du Sahel.
Sfaxien nearly took a deserved lead in the 10th minute, as Ahmed Ammar combined well with Firas Chaouat, before rattling the crossbar with a fine volley from range.
However, Etoile managed to claw their way back into the game, most notably when Hamza Lahmar and Aymen Sfaxi got on the ball.
Lahmar was presented with Etoile’s best opportunity midway through the opening half, but the winger’s effort was blocked by Aymen Dahmen.
Both sides, however, showed attacking intent in the opening 45 minutes, but were let by their passing in the final third.
Sfaxien should have opened the scoring in the 53rd minute but Ouanes managed to head over from six-yards out, after a mix-up between Harzi and Chaouat.
The visitors side continued to pile on the pressure and went close in the 60th minute, as Ghouma’s deflected effort forced Mathlouthi into a fine save.
Etoile struggled to get their passing game going in the second half but nearly went ahead in the 79th minute, as Wajdi Kechrida header was cleared off the line.
The stalemate pilled pressure on Etoile since AS Jaraaf are now joint second with four points while Sfaxien remain on top with five points.
At Stade Lat Dior, Albert Diene celebrated his return from injury with a 12th minute opener and Papa Youssou Paye netted to help the Senegalese collect maximum points and move to third position on Group C standings.
