KACM Marrakech 3–1 Jeunesse Sportive Soualem: Ruthless KACM Book Quarter-Final Place in Morocco Cup

KACM Marrakech produced a convincing display at the Stade de Marrakech to defeat Jeunesse Sportive Soualem 3–1 in the round of 16 of the Morocco Cup on 16 May 2026. The home side’s clinical finishing and disciplined defending ensured safe passage into the quarter-finals, as the team continues its quest for silverware.

Match Overview

KACM started with intensity, pressing high and pinning Jeunesse Sportive Soualem inside their own half. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when a corner kick was met with a powerful header to give the hosts a 1–0 lead. Soualem struggled to establish any rhythm, losing possession cheaply in dangerous areas. By half-time, KACM had doubled their advantage: a swift counter-attack ended with a precise strike from the edge of the box, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

The second half began with Soualem showing more ambition. They pulled a goal back in the 54th minute through a well-placed free kick that curled over the wall and into the top corner, giving the travelling fans hope. However, KACM responded immediately. Just three minutes later, a defensive lapse allowed the home striker to intercept a back-pass and chip the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, restoring a two-goal cushion.

Key Moments

• 18' – KACM opener: A near-post flick-on from a corner kick was headed home by the centre-back for his first goal of the cup campaign.
• 42' – KACM double the lead: A quick break down the left wing, a low cross into the box, and a first-time finish from 12 yards made it 2–0.
• 54' – Soualem reply: A perfectly executed free kick from 22 yards, curling into the top-right corner to make it 2–1.
• 57' – KACM kill the game: A poor back-pass was intercepted; the KACM striker rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net.

Tactical Story

KACM employed a 4–2–3–1 formation that gave them numerical superiority in midfield. The double pivot allowed the attacking midfielders to roam and combine with the lone striker. Soualem tried to respond with a 4–4–2 diamond, but their full-backs were exposed by KACM’s quick wingers. After going 3–1 up, KACM dropped into a compact low block, inviting Soualem to cross but dominating aerial duels.

Standout Performers

The KACM number 9 was a constant menace, scoring the crucial third goal and holding up play effectively. His physical presence unsettled Soualem’s central defenders all night. For Soualem, the free-kick specialist who scored their only goal was the bright spot, but he lacked support from his teammates in open play.

Cup Journey & Outlook

With this victory, KACM Marrakech advance to the Morocco Cup quarter-finals, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The club has won the cup twice before and is regarded as one of the dark horses in this year’s competition. For Jeunesse Sportive Soualem, the focus now shifts back to league survival, as they sit just above the relegation zone in Botola 2.