FAR Rabat delivered a masterful display of clinical finishing and tactical discipline to defeat Olympique Safi 3-0 at Stade El Massira on Sunday evening, extending their impressive form in the Morocco Botola Pro Regular Season. The visitors capitalized on a crucial early red card to control proceedings and secure three valuable points with goals from Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, R. Slim, and Khalid Ait Ouarkhane.

Early Dismissal Changes the Complexion

The match's defining moment arrived in the 19th minute when Olympique Safi defender Yassine Kordani received a direct red card, leaving the home side to battle with 10 men for more than 70 minutes. The dismissal fundamentally altered the tactical landscape, forcing coach A. El Karma's squad into a defensive posture that would ultimately prove unsustainable against FAR Rabat's patient build-up play.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Olympique Safi initially showed resilience, creating moments of danger that suggested they might weather the storm. Their best opportunity came in the 35th minute when Walid Rhailouf found the back of the net, only to see his effort ruled out for offside—a cruel twist that epitomized their frustrating evening.

Hrimat Breaks the Deadlock

FAR Rabat's pressure finally told in the 33rd minute when Mohamed Rabie Hrimat converted a well-worked move, with Mohssine Bourika providing the assist. The goal came at a psychologically crucial moment, just minutes after Hrimat had been cautioned with a yellow card for an earlier challenge. The midfielder's composure in front of goal demonstrated the clinical edge that separated the two sides throughout the encounter.

The opening goal validated FAR Rabat's patient approach to breaking down their opponents' defensive structure. Rather than rushing forward recklessly after gaining the numerical advantage, the visitors maintained their tactical discipline, probing for openings while remaining compact defensively.

Second Half Surge Seals Victory

The second half began with FAR Rabat making a tactical adjustment, withdrawing A. Habbassi at halftime to introduce fresh legs and maintain their tempo. The substitution proved prescient as the visitors doubled their advantage in the 57th minute through R. Slim, who finished expertly after receiving a precise cross from right-back Anas Bach.

Olympique Safi attempted to respond with a double substitution in the 60th minute, removing both M. Kone and W. Rhailouf in search of renewed attacking impetus. However, their efforts were consistently thwarted by FAR Rabat's organized defensive structure and the visitors' growing confidence in possession.

The home side's frustration was evident as the match progressed, with several players picking up yellow cards in increasingly desperate challenges. F. Karmoune's booking in the third minute of stoppage time exemplified their inability to contain FAR Rabat's fluid attacking movements.

Ouarkhane Applies the Finishing Touch

The coup de grâce arrived in the 75th minute when Khalid Ait Ouarkhane capped a dominant individual display with FAR Rabat's third goal, assisted by H. Khabba. The strike effectively ended any lingering hopes of an Olympique Safi comeback and allowed the visitors to manage the closing stages with authority.

FAR Rabat nearly extended their advantage further when Hrimat had another effort disallowed for offside in the 69th minute, demonstrating their continued attacking threat even with the result beyond doubt. The visitors' ability to maintain their attacking intensity while preserving their clean sheet highlighted their tactical maturity and physical conditioning.

Looking Forward

This comprehensive victory positions FAR Rabat favorably in the Morocco Botola Pro standings and showcases their credentials as serious contenders this season. Their ability to capitalize on numerical superiority while maintaining tactical discipline suggests a team capable of sustaining a title challenge.

For Olympique Safi, the defeat represents a harsh lesson in the unforgiving nature of top-flight football. The early red card undoubtedly complicated their task, but their inability to create clear-cut chances even before the dismissal will concern coach El Karma as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

The 3-0 scoreline accurately reflected the gulf in class between the sides on this occasion, with FAR Rabat demonstrating why they remain one of Morocco's most respected football institutions.