El-Masira secured their first points of the Botola 2 campaign with a 2:1 win against Stade Marocain at home on Saturday. The result puts the hosts in third place on three points after one match, while the visitors sit in twelfth with none.
For El-Masira, the victory marks a solid start to the season. They had shown mixed results in their five most recent fixtures, winning two and losing two of those games before this opening round. A win on the opening day gives them momentum.
Stade Marocain's season got off to a difficult start. They have struggled in recent months, losing three of their last five matches and only picking up victories in the two games before that. An opening defeat leaves them needing to respond quickly.
There is added context to this fixture. Stade Marocain beat El-Masira 1:0 in June, so this result gives the hosts something to settle. They are on a good run of form at home, having won their last two home matches before this one.
The contrast in recent form is clear. El-Masira managed three wins in five games including this one, while Stade Marocain's last victory came on 20 June. Both teams have been inconsistent, but the hosts pulled through.
With just one match played, the table says very little. Three points separate the two sides, though El-Masira's position at third suggests they will be aiming higher. Stade Marocain have work to do to climb out of the bottom half.