Maghreb de Fès secures Moroccan championship after four-decade wait
via Le Matin3 min read
Maghreb de Fès MAS has been crowned Moroccan champions, securing their first national title in over 40 years. The team, led by Pablo Franco, clinched the Botola Pro title on the final day of the season with a 2-0 victory over Olympique Dcheira, thanks to goals from Anas Tahiri 51st minute and Aymen Chabani 72nd minute. This victory brings their total national titles to five, adding to previous wins in 1965, 1979, 1983, and 1985. MAS also boasts a CAF Cup 2011, an African Super Cup 2012, and four Throne Cups. They finished the season with 59 points from 16 wins, 11 draws, and 3 losses. Renaissance de Berkane RSB finished second with 57 points, earning a spot in the next CAF Champions League, despite their 3-1 win against Difaâ Hassani d'El Jadida. Raja de Casablanca secured third place with 56 points after a 2-0 victory over Olympic Safi and AS FAR's draw, qualifying them for the CAF Confederation Cup. AS FAR ended in fourth with 55 points, missing out on the title after leading earlier in the season. Wydad de Casablanca finished a disappointing fifth with 43 points, concluding a difficult season with seven consecutive league defeats. In the relegation battle, Union Touarga 31 points and Olympique Dcheira 30 points will compete in playoffs to retain their top-flight status. Olympic Safi 22 points and US Yacoub El Mansour 22 points were relegated to the second division.
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The Moroccan automotive market experienced significant growth by the end of June 2026, with 131,748 passenger and light commercial vehicles registered, marking a 17.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This growth follows a record year in 2025, indicating sustained expansion rather than mere recovery. Passenger vehicles accounted for 116,802 units, also up 17.6%, while light commercial vehicles rose by 17.5% to 14,946 units. June 2026 alone saw 27,193 vehicles sold, a 16.72% increase from June 2025, driven by both individual and professional demand. A major trend is the acceleration of electrification. By June 2026, electrified models, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, mild-hybrids, electric, and range-extended electric vehicles, totaled 19,611 registrations, a 97.1% year-on-year increase. Their market share in passenger vehicles climbed to 16.79% from 10.02% a year prior. Plug-in hybrids led this growth with 6,090 units, up 170.3%, now representing 5.21% of passenger vehicle registrations. Mild-hybrids increased by 88.2% to 3,451 vehicles, and classic hybrids by 6.63% to 7,748 units. Fully electric vehicles, though still modest at 1,060 registrations, grew by 129.9%. A new category, range-extended electric vehicles, debuted with 1,262 units, making up 1.08% of the passenger vehicle market. Together, fully electric and range-extended electric vehicles now account for 2% of passenger vehicle registrations. While diesel remains dominant, its share decreased to 64.
Must ReadThe Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations BCIJ has arrested ten extremists suspected of planning dangerous terrorist acts. Operations by the DGST special force were carried out simultaneously in multiple Moroccan cities, including Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, El Hajeb, Tétouan, Fquih Ben Salah, and Safi. Among those arrested are a former anti-terrorism detainee and a minor. Searches of the suspects' homes, conducted with legal formalities, uncovered bladed weapons and materials intended for terrorist projects. Military uniforms, extremist manuscripts detailing explosive device manufacturing, and digital media were also seized. Two recordings found included an oath of allegiance to the "Daech" organization and explicit threats of subversive acts within Morocco. Further investigation in Inezgane led to the discovery of a 4x4 vehicle with a modified fuel tank designed to run on butane gas, intended for a suicide attack or ramming sensitive targets. A security protocol was activated, evacuating residents, before a specialized demining team from the General Directorate of National Security DGSN examined the vehicle. The warehouse search also yielded butane gas canisters, pressure cookers some filled with nails and wired, a welding station, electrical switches, small light bulbs, and chemical substances. Intelligence and technical expertise revealed that the cell members pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed caliph of "Daech" and received directives from leaders
The National Festival of Popular Arts FNAP in Marrakech, held from July 2 to 6, showcased the rich artistic expressions of Morocco's intangible heritage. Over five days of performances and interactions, the festival aimed to foster dialogue between popular traditions and contemporary artistic sensibilities. A highlight was the performance by Nabyla Maan on July 4, whose musical style naturally integrates heritage without distorting it. Her nuanced voice blended traditional and contemporary instruments, respectfully engaging with Moroccan repertoires. Maan views her participation as a tribute to those who have preserved this heritage for generations, seeing the festival as a space for Mâalems, traditional troupes, and contemporary artists to meet, exchange, and collectively transmit this legacy to younger generations. For over half a century, the FNAP has relied on the commitment of its traditional troupes, some of whom have participated for decades, perpetuating artistic practices passed down through generations. These troupes, from various regions of the Kingdom, demonstrate the diversity of Moroccan cultural heritage through their songs, dances, costumes, and rituals. The FNAP also promotes intergenerational encounters, with young artists, heritage bearers, and contemporary creators sharing the ambition to keep traditions alive through transmission and reinterpretation. This openness was also evident in a program featuring Moroccan, Chinese, and African troupes, showcasing