Ittihad Riadi Tanger claimed a battling 2-1 win over Maghreb Fez in The Botola Pro on 15 October 2026, using a bright first-half performance and a decisive second-half strike to take all three points in Tangier.

The result gave the home side an important lift in the league table and left Maghreb Fez with a familiar feeling of frustration: a competitive display, a late goal, but no reward from a difficult away trip.

Match Overview

Ittihad Riadi Tanger started with purpose and looked the more assertive side from the opening exchanges. The hosts pressed high, moved the ball quickly through midfield, and forced Maghreb Fez into several early clearances. That pressure paid off when Mehdi El Haddad opened the scoring, finishing calmly after a low cross from the right side opened up the visiting defence.

Maghreb Fez responded well in patches. Their midfield began to settle, and they created one of the better chances of the first half through a quick counterattack, only to be denied by a sharp save from the Tanger goalkeeper. Still, Tanger carried the greater threat and went into the break with a deserved lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Maghreb Fez saw more of the ball, but Tanger remained dangerous on the break. Oussama El Idrissi doubled the advantage with a well-placed finish from the edge of the area, curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper after a patient build-up. Maghreb Fez pulled one back late through Youssef Belammari, whose header set up a tense finish, but Tanger managed the closing minutes with enough composure to protect the win.

Key Moments

• 18' — Tanger take the lead: Mehdi El Haddad converted from close range after a flowing move down the right.
• 34' — Fez threaten: A quick break forced a save from the Tanger goalkeeper, keeping the score at 1-0.
• 72' — Tanger double the lead: Oussama El Idrissi found space outside the box and curled a precise effort into the bottom corner.
• 88' — Fez pull one back: Youssef Belammari rose well to head home and give the visitors late hope.
• 90+4' — Final defensive stand: Tanger cleared a late corner and saw out the remaining seconds to seal the victory.

Tactical Story

Ittihad Riadi Tanger lined up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 and looked to control the game through their double pivot. The midfield pair shielded the back four effectively, allowing the full-backs to push forward and support the wide attackers. That shape helped Tanger dominate the first hour and kept Maghreb Fez from building sustained pressure through the middle.

Maghreb Fez used a 4-3-3 and tried to stretch the game with switches of play, but their final ball was often rushed. When they did commit more bodies forward after the second goal, they found gaps, and Belammari's header gave them a deserved consolation. In the end, however, Tanger's earlier efficiency and better game management made the difference.

Standout Players

Oussama El Idrissi was the standout performer for Ittihad Riadi Tanger. His goal was the defining moment of the match, and his movement between the lines repeatedly unsettled the Maghreb Fez defence. Mehdi El Haddad also impressed with his sharp finishing and intelligent running, while the Tanger goalkeeper produced a crucial save in the first half.

For Maghreb Fez, Youssef Belammari was the most persistent attacking threat. His late header gave the visitors a lifeline and underlined his ability in aerial duels. The midfielder also worked hard to drive his team forward during their strongest spell of the second half.

The Botola Pro Table Impact

The three points strengthen Ittihad Riadi Tanger's position in the upper half of The Botola Pro and keep them within touching distance of the clubs chasing continental qualification places. For Maghreb Fez, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency as they look to climb away from the mid-table congestion.

Matches like this often prove decisive in the Botola Pro season. Tanger showed they can win when not at their absolute best, while Maghreb Fez demonstrated enough attacking quality to suggest better results are within reach if they can tighten up defensively.

What’s Next

Ittihad Riadi Tanger will look to build on the result when they travel to face Olympic Safi in their next league outing. Maghreb Fez return home for a demanding fixture against Hassania Agadir, where they will need a stronger defensive display to avoid another frustrating afternoon.