Botola Pro 1: MAS Fes eyes victory over Kawkab Marrakech

Maghreb Fez are enjoying a remarkable season under Spanish coach Pablo Franco Martin, emerging as a serious contender for the Botola Pro 1 title and a potential qualifier for African competitions.

Their recent win over Ittihad Yaacoub El Mansour matched the club’s best-ever start, previously achieved in 1978-79, 1999-2000, and 2012-13.

With 23 points from six victories and five draws, MAS Fes has recorded its strongest tally after 11 rounds since the 1978-79 championship-winning campaign.

The team now faces a different kind of challenge when it hosts Kawkab Marrakech on Friday evening at 9 pm, in a fixture that carries both historical rivalry and a lingering obstacle.

Despite their progress, MAS Fes has never beaten coach Hicham Dmii in a league match. Their head-to-head record stands at four draws and three defeats, with the only victory coming in the 2016 Throne Cup final.

From the 1-1 draw in 2003-04 to defeats in 2014-15 and goalless stalemates in 2015-16, the Fassi side has struggled to overcome Dmii’s teams.

Friday’s clash is not only about points but also about breaking a long-standing barrier. Maghreb Fez enters with confidence and momentum, yet knows victory would mean ending a frustrating streak against a coach who has consistently denied them league success.