RABAT, Morocco — In a match defined by relentless momentum swings and late drama, UTS Rabat and Renaissance Berkane battled to a 2-2 draw on Sunday at Stade du 18 Novembre, an encounter that showcased moments of breathtaking quality and episodes of ill-discipline—chief among them a first-half red card that transformed the narrative of the contest.

From the opening whistle, UTS Rabat, set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation by coach A. Zamrat, imposed their authority and wasted no time in seizing the initiative. The early pressure paid dividends in the fourth minute, when midfielder Z. Kassary swept home a low finish to put the hosts ahead, sending the home support into raucous celebration.

Berkane, employing a 4-2-3-1 scheme and anchored by goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi, attempted to regain their composure, but were dealt a substantial blow midway through the first half. In the 24th minute, midfielder Mamadou Lamine Camara was shown a straight red card after a rash challenge, forcing the visitors to reorganize with a man down for more than an hour of play.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Renaissance Berkane displayed resilience and went about their task with renewed determination. Their patience bore fruit in the closing moments of the first half. In stoppage time, Ayoub Khairi’s incisive pass found Abdelhak Assal overlapping on the flank; Assal’s cross was deftly turned in at the near post by Oussama Lamlioui, leveling the score at 1-1 in the second minute of added time.

The drama scarcely abated before Berkane seized a stunning lead. Less than five minutes later, still deep into stoppage time, Mounir Chouiar latched onto Khairi’s through ball and rifled a shot past UTS goalkeeper Abderhmane El Houasli. What had begun as an uphill climb had turned into a remarkable reversal: Berkane, a man down, entered halftime with a 2-1 advantage.

UTS Rabat, stunned but undeterred, emerged for the second half determined to exploit their extra man. Zamrat made attacking substitutions at the break to add fresh impetus to his side’s offense. Their pressure told in the 54th minute when Y. Dahmani broke into the area and drove home the equalizer, restoring parity on an afternoon where the pendulum seemed determined never to rest.

The match’s intensity rarely wavered, with both sides showing ambition but also lapsing into ill temper, perhaps a product of the high stakes and physical demands. The referee was frequently called into action, issuing a total of eight yellow cards—five to UTS Rabat and three to Renaissance Berkane—in addition to Camara’s early dismissal.

A flurry of tactical substitutions in the second half reflected both managers’ desire to find a winning goal and manage the physical toll. UTS Rabat’s changes in attack and midfield, including the introduction of Danny and Brahim El Bahraoui early in the half, injected energy but could not unlock a winner. Berkane, for their part, restructured their depleted lineup as fatigue set in, sacrificing attacking presence for defensive solidity.

As the final whistle approached, the tension on the pitch was palpable. UTS Rabat pressed forward in search of a late breakthrough, testing Mohamedi with a series of direct balls and speculative attempts. Yet, Berkane’s back line, marshaled by Hamza El Moussaoui and Ismael Kandouss, stood firm, repelling the hosts’ last-ditch advances.

For UTS Rabat, the draw will be viewed as a missed opportunity, particularly against an opponent that played with ten men for more than an hour. But Berkane, buoyed by their improbable first-half comeback and resolute second-half defending, will see this as a point earned through grit and composure in adversity.

The result leaves both sides contemplating their ambitions for the Botola Pro campaign. UTS Rabat demonstrated their attacking potential but will rue defensive lapses and a failure to capitalize fully on their numerical superiority. Renaissance Berkane, meanwhile, showcased a spirit and organization that suggest they remain a resilient force, even when circumstances conspire against them.

In a league where momentum is often elusive, this draw—full of incident, emotion and drama—may ultimately serve as a reference point from which both clubs seek greater consistency as the season progresses.