Maghreb de Fes defeated KR Chemis Zemamra 2:1 in the opening fixture of the Botola Pro regular season on 27 September 2026. The hosts took all three points at home, securing a narrow win that sets the tone for their campaign.
J. Essaghir broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, firing past the opposition goalkeeper shortly after the interval. He collected a yellow card himself in the following minute, but the early advantage held. To be fair, the visitors had seen little of the ball before that point.
T. Mabasa restored parity with a penalty in the 59th minute, a moment that shifted the momentum. Maghreb de Fes had paid for a sloppy opening period, allowing their opponents back into the contest. By then the match had settled into a pattern of territorial dominance from the home side.
A. El Mahraoui restored Maghreb de Fes' lead in the 64th minute, and the visitors never fully recovered. The hosts turned to their bench for fresh legs, bringing on Z. Ajoughlal and M. Rahni in the 67th minute, followed by a flurry of changes from both sides. And here's the thing — the game was already decided in those opening exchanges.
Maghreb de Fes controlled 65 per cent of possession and registered 125 attacks compared to the visitors' 83. They managed five shots on target against two, while the opposition offered just two attempts on goal. The statistics told the same story as the scoreboard — the hosts created enough and converted when it mattered.
Both teams entered the season with zero points in the standings, but recent form suggested different trajectories. Maghreb de Fes had won two and drawn three of their last five matches, including a 4:1 victory over Rahimo, while KR Chemis Zemamra had drawn four of their previous five outings. We had given a home win at 49 per cent confidence, and the result vindicated that call — Maghreb de Fes were simply the sharper side when it counted.
The victory puts Maghreb de Fes on the board at the top of the table, three points ahead of their opponents. The goal difference reflects a tight contest, but the win provides early momentum for the season ahead.
