Maghreb Fez 0-1 Ittihad Riadi Tanger: Visitors edge tight Botola Pro contest

A solitary second‑half goal proved enough for Ittihad Riadi Tanger to claim a hard‑fought 1-0 victory away to Maghreb Fez on 23 May 2026, in a closely contested Botola Pro match at the Fez Stadium. The result strengthens IR Tanger’s bid for a continental spot while leaving Maghreb Fez still looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.

Tactical battle with few clear chances

Both teams started cautiously, with midfield battles dominating the opening 30 minutes. Maghreb Fez, playing in front of their home fans, tried to press high but struggled to break down a well‑organised IR Tanger defence organised by centre‑back Mounir El Idrissi. The visitors, meanwhile, relied on quick counter‑attacks through winger Youssef Boutouil.

The first half ended goalless, with each side registering only one shot on target – a tame free‑kick for Fez and a long‑range effort from Tanger’s captain Zouhair El Haddaoui that was comfortably saved.

Second half: Tanger strike against the run of play

Maghreb Fez came out with renewed energy after the break and enjoyed a spell of pressure, forcing three corners in quick succession. However, Ittihad Riadi Tanger weathered the storm and delivered the sucker punch in the 67th minute. A swift counter‑attack saw Youssef Boutouil release substitute Reda El Hachmi down the left, and his low cross was turned in by striker Abdelkader El Mourabit from six yards out.

Fez pushed for an equaliser but lacked creativity in the final third. Their best chance came in the 82nd minute when Achraf Ben Azouz headed wide from a corner. IR Tanger held firm to claim three crucial points.

Standings and season implications

• Ittihad Riadi Tanger climb to 5th place with 43 points, now level on points with 4th‑placed Raja Casablanca, tightening the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
• Maghreb Fez remain 13th with 29 points, only two above the relegation zone with five matches left.

Key performers

IR Tanger’s Abdelkader El Mourabit was the match‑winner, but the entire defensive unit deserves credit for the clean sheet. Mounir El Idrissi made a game‑high seven clearances and won every aerial duel. For Maghreb Fez, goalkeeper Yassine El Hilali kept his side in the contest with three saves, but his forwards could not find a way past a stubborn Tanger backline.

With the Botola Pro title race still wide open, these three points could prove vital for Ittihad Riadi Tanger as they target a top‑four finish and a return to African competition.