Benjamin Tanimu helped his team, Maghred de Fes secure an important 2025/2026 Moroccan Botola league opener victory with a 2-0 win over Renaissance Zemamra, platinumnewsng.com is reporting
The game came off with early sparks from the two sides. Still, the away side got the first opportunity to open the scoring after the centre referee consulted the VAR to award Renaissance Zemamra a penalty after 10 minutes of play. Goalkeeper Salaheddine Chihab guessed right to save Zakaria Bahrou’s spot kick, and that was the turning point for Maghreb.
Two minutes from the first half ending, Adil Rhaili controlled a long kick from goalkeeper Adil Rhaili on the edge of Renaissance Zemamra 18 yard box and despite being hulled down by goalkeeper Mohamed Ferni, the 34-year-old did a good job to set up Driss El Jabali who wasted no time in netting the opener for his side and went on a wild jubilation in front of the roaring Yellow Tigers fans.
Adil Rhaili had another opportunity to make it two from a set piece, but goalkeeper Mohamed Ferni, in the death of the first half, dived well so low to save the dangerous free kick which left his side’s wall broken.
The second half resumed with the same energy from both sides, but efforts went into begging. Renaissance Zemamra’s substitute, Yazid Faffa, made a quick impact with a long-range effort in the 54th minute, but MAS goalkeeper and captain, Salaheddine Chihab, ensured that his side remained in the lead with a good response to the attempt as he tipped off the crossbar for a corner to the opponents —the corner proved abortive.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, MAS’s substitute Anas Tahiri gave a good account of himself with a fine cross into the box —his cross beats goalkeeper Salaheddine Chihab and fell by the chest of teammate Soufiane Benjdida, who jabbed into an empty net with his lap to make it 2-0.
The Yellow Tigers supporters illuminated the stands with their phone torches in jubilation of a good game by their players. Meanwhile, MAS’s coach, Pablo Franco, threw in Benjamin Tanimu for Abdelilah Madkour to solidify the defence and ward off any late-minute drama in a game that had an additional 8 minutes given.
Benjamin, in his debut, recorded a good appearance with three key clearances and one interception to ensure his side maintains their clean sheet.
This win for MAS Fès will silence early critics and affirm the team’s readiness for the season after a disappointing 10th place finish last season
With the result, though on the same three points, but with inferior goals, Maghreb FES sits third behind RS Berkane and FAR Rabat, who sit first and second respectively.
MAS FES will travel to Agadir on Saturday, September 20, for the match day 2 engagement with Hassania Agadir.