Botola Pro: Maghreb Fez joins contenders by winning opener

The opening matchday from Morocco’s Botola Pro approached its conclusion on Sunday with two matches and Maghreb Fez emerged as the sole winners from the day’s action.

Visitors Renaissance Zemamra saw a penalty kick saved by Maghreb Fez goalkeeper Salaheddine Chihab and the hosts took advantage in an eventual 2-0 victory. Driss El Jabali arrived to finish into an empty net close to halftime after the RCAZ defense went missing on a long punt from Chihab.

Former Raja Casablanca forward Soufiane Benjdida finished off the scoring late on for a goal on his MAS debut since returning from two seasons in Belgian football.

Sunday’s winners joined Moroccan heavyweights Raja, Wydad Casablanca, AS FAR and reigning champions RS Berkane as the winners from the opening matchday. RS Berkane dominated in a 4-0 victory on Friday over Botola Pro newcomers Olympique Dcheira while Wydad struggled to a narrow victory over newly promoted Kawkab Marrakech.

Raja Casablanca were also winners as the Green Eagles began their campaign on Saturday with a strong 2-0 victory at FUS Rabat. In Saturday’s late match, Rabat’s AS FAR took down the other newly promoted side, US Yacoub El Mansour, with a 2-0 victory. Captain and 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Man of the Competition, Mohamed Hrimat, was among the goal scorers for AS FAR.

The Botola Pro finishes its opening matchday on Monday when IR Tanger host Throne Cup winners Olympique Safi.

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