Botola Pro playoff: Four clubs battle for two promotion spots

The battle for a place in Morocco’s Botola Pro reaches its final chapter this week as four clubs prepare for a decisive promotion and relegation playoff campaign.

Amal Tiznit, Olympique Dcheira, Chabab Al Massira and Union Touarga will compete across two-legged ties, with only two clubs securing their place in next season’s top flight.

The first legs will take place on 17 and 18 July, before the return fixtures are played on 21 and 22 July.

Amal Tiznit chase historic top-flight promotion

Amal Tiznit enter the playoffs with hopes of achieving a landmark moment in the club’s history.

The Souss-based side finished third in Botola 2 with 46 points and is aiming to secure promotion to the Botola Pro for the first time.

The club’s rise has been rapid, having spent just one season in the second tier after earning promotion from the amateur divisions.

A successful playoff run would complete an impressive journey for a team that has continued to grow in Moroccan football.

However, their challenge begins against Olympique Dcheira, who are fighting to avoid an immediate return to the second division.

Dcheira reached the Botola Pro through the playoffs last season but struggled in the top flight, finishing 14th with 30 points and now facing another battle to preserve their status.

Chabab Al Massira target long-awaited return

The other playoff tie sees Chabab Al Massira attempt to return to the Moroccan top division for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

After finishing fourth in Botola 2 with 44 points, the club sees the playoffs as an opportunity to revive its place among Morocco’s elite.

Chabab Al Massira previously enjoyed successful periods in Moroccan football, reaching three consecutive Throne Cup semi-finals between 2003 and 2005.

Their best-ever league performance came in the 2001-02 campaign when they finished fifth in the top flight.

Union Touarga fight for survival

Standing in Chabab Al Massira’s way is Union Touarga, who are determined to remain in the Botola Pro after a difficult season.

The Rabat-based club enjoyed continental success just two years ago, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing fourth in the league.

However, their fortunes changed this season as they narrowly avoided automatic relegation, securing 13th place on the final day of the campaign.

Now, they must overcome the playoff challenge to maintain their place among Morocco’s top clubs.

With promotion dreams for Amal Tiznit and Chabab Al Massira, and survival hopes for Olympique Dcheira and Union Touarga, the four playoff matches will determine the shape of Moroccan football’s top division next season.