Other Leagues
Double victory for Morocco’s Lekjaa as Renaissance Sportive de Berkane gets a historic triumph in Botola Pro

First, Fouzi Lekjaa coasted home to an overwhelming victory at the election into FIFA Council on Wednesday in Cairo. Three days later, the club he mentored since 2009, before he became the president of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has just emerged as Moroccan champions!
Last Saturday, March 15, 2025, will forever be etched in the annals of Moroccan football. Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) clinched, for the first time in its history, the highly coveted Botola Pro title.
This crowning achievement came during the 25th matchday, where RSB faced Union Sportive de Touarga (UST) at the municipal stadium in Berkane.
With a comfortable 17-point lead over its closest rivals, AS FAR and Wydad de Casablanca, RSB sealed its destiny as national champions.
✅ An Ascendant Journey: From Humble Beginnings to National Glory
Founded in 1938 under the name Association Sportive de Berkane, RSB long navigated the lower divisions of Moroccan football. In 1976, the club adopted the name Union Islamique de Berkane, before merging in 1981 with the local Jeunesse Sportive to become the Renaissance Sportive de Berkane we know today.
Despite some flashes of brilliance, such as a runner-up finish in 1983 and a Throne Cup final in 1987, the club struggled to establish itself consistently among the elite.
✅ The Fouzi Lekjaa Era: A Radical Transformation
The transformation of RSB began in 2009 with the arrival of Fouzi Lekjaa as president.
Under his leadership, the club underwent a profound restructuring, both organizationally and financially.
Lekjaa invested in infrastructure, notably equipping the club with a modern training centre, and attracted major sponsors, ensuring financial stability.
This strategy bore fruit: RSB gained promotion to the second division in 2011, and to Botola Pro the following season. Under Lekjaa’s guidance, the club gradually established itself as a formidable force in Moroccan and African football.
✅ Continental Success and International Recognition
RSB did not just shine on the national stage. The club won the CAF Confederation Cup twice, in 2020 and 2022, and reached the final in 2019.
The municipal stadium in Berkane became an impregnable fortress, where African giants such as TP Mazembe, Club Sfaxien, and Zamalek stumbled.
Additionally, RSB secured the Throne Cup in 2018 and 2022, further solidifying its reputation as a consistent and high-performing club.
✅ The Hakim Benabdellah Era: Continuity and Ambition
In August 2019, Fouzi Lekjaa handed over the presidency to Hakim Benabdellah.
The latter continued the work begun, to make RSB a reference point in Morocco and Africa.
Under his leadership, the club continued its upward trajectory, reaping the rewards of rigorous organization and exemplary management. The Botola Pro title this season is the culmination of these efforts and a testament to RSB’s ever-renewed ambition.
✅ A Promising Future for RSB
This first national title is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new era for Renaissance Sportive de Berkane.
The club now aspires to establish itself on the African stage and to enrich its trophy cabinet.
With solid management, modern infrastructure, and a clear strategic vision, RSB is well-equipped to meet future challenges and continue writing the history of Moroccan football.
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Other Leagues
Egypt’s League in turmoil as Ahly withdraw from the Cairo derby

In a dramatic twist on Tuesday, the eagerly awaited Egyptian Premier League derby between Zamalek and Ahly was cancelled following escalating disputes over match officials.
The defending champions had threatened to withdraw from the league after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) dismissed their repeated requests for a postponement and the appointment of foreign referees.
“We insist on respecting the Egyptian Pro League (EPL) decisions and reiterate our demand to play tonight’s game with foreign officials. If our demands are not met, Ahly will not continue in the league,” the club’s board said in a statement.
Sticking to their stance, Ahly failed to show up at Cairo Stadium, prompting referee Mahmoud Bassiouny to call off the match 15 minutes after the scheduled kickoff at 9:30 p.m. local time.
The dispute had been brewing for days, with Ahly expressing strong dissatisfaction over recent refereeing performances, alleging bias in previous matches.
The controversy intensified after the EFA assigned a local officiating crew on Monday night, despite prior assurances to the EPL that foreign referees would be used for key fixtures during the league’s final phase.
Zamalek, on the other hand, confirmed their readiness to play.
The EFA defended its decision, citing a lack of time to secure foreign officials after the match was scheduled on 5 March.
The playoffs draw, held on Wednesday, had set up an early showdown between the two Cairo giants in the first round.
The game carried significant weight in the title race. Ahly, aiming for a third consecutive championship, trail league leaders Pyramids FC, who have 42 points—three more than Ahly. Zamalek sit in third place with 32 points.
According to EPL regulations adopted this season, any team that withdraws from a match is considered to have forfeited and will be deducted three points. If a team withdraws from the competition after it has started, it faces relegation to the lower division and a two-season ban from the Premier League, along with financial penalties.
-Ahram
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Other Leagues
Peseiro wins first match in Egypt

Cairo giants Zamalek returned to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 victory over Enppi in the Egyptian Premier League’s 17th matchday at Arab Contractors Stadium on Tuesday, handing Portuguese coach Jose Pesiero his first win.
Zamalek’s victory was fueled by a second-half brace from midfielder Abdallah El-Said and a clinical finish from striker Nasser Mansi.
The win marked a crucial turnaround for manager José Peseiro, whose side had failed to secure a victory since his appointment on 14 February, drawing 1-1 against Petrojet, Ahly, and ZED FC in succession.
Zamalek pressed from the opening whistle, eager to score early and ease pressure on their players, but they failed to create any genuine opportunities.
Three minutes into the first half, striker Nasser Mansi nearly broke the deadlock when he connected with Omar Gaber’s precise pass from the right wing, firing a right‐footed shot from close range that was saved by Enppi’s goalkeeper Abdel-Rahman Samir.
The White Knights controlled much of the game, dominating Enppi in their own half, while the Petroleum side relied on rapid counter-attacks that were consistently rebuffed by Zamalek’s defence.
In the 28th minute, Zamalek’s Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro, was forced to make a change after winter signing Tunisian winger Ahmed Jafeli suffered a muscular injury, introducing Mohmed Hamdi as his replacement.
Despite sustained pressure, Zamalek failed to breach Enppi’s resolute defense before halftime. The visitors grew into the game as the half wore on, ensuring the teams entered the break goalless.
Peseiro reshuffled at halftime, introducing veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said in place of defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid to inject creativity into midfield, which proved inspired.
Five minutes after the restart, Zamalek were awarded a penalty following a VAR-confirmed handball by Enppi defender Khaled Ahmed.
El-Said stepped up calmly, slotting a low right-footed finish into the bottom corner to ignite the scoreboard in the 53rd minute.
Mansi doubled the lead in the 66th minute, rising brilliantly to head home Moroccan fullback Mahmoud Bentayg’s looping cross from the left flank.
Zamalek continued to surge forward, with El-Said orchestrating attacks, but Enppi’s defense held firm until stoppage time.
Four minutes into injury time, the 39-year-old maestro sealed his brace, and the victory, firing a first-time strike into the roof of the net after latching onto substitute Seif Gaafar’s cutback from the left.
The result solidifies Zamalek’s hold on third place with 32 points, seven behind leaders Pyramids FC and four adrift of arch-rivals Ahly, though both rivals have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Enppi remain rooted in the relegation zone at 17th with just 12 points.
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Other Leagues
Peseiro seeks first win in his appointment with Zamalek against Enppi in the Egyptian League

Former Nigeria manager, Jose Peseiro is still trying to find his feet in Egypt as his Zamalek is looking to secure their first victory after four matches,
Since Peseiro’s appointment on 14 February, Zamalek have failed to win, drawing 1-1 against Petrojet, Ahly, and ZED FC.
“We didn’t achieve victory in the last three games, but we played good football, and the performance has improved,” Peseiro told the pre-game press conference.
The team is currently third in the standings with 29 points, 10 behind joint leaders Pyramids FC, and seven adrift of second-placed Ahly.
Enppi, on the other hand, are struggling near the bottom of the table with just 12 points.
“We aim to win against Enppi as Zamalek fights to win all the games,” the Zamalek coach said.
This season, the Egyptian Premier League adopted a single-round format with all 18 clubs competing.
The top nine teams will advance to the title race, while the bottom clubs will fight to avoid relegation.
Zamalek will be without key players, including Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed and Mohamed Shehata, who are suspended. Tunisian defender Hamza Mathlouthi, Ahmed Hamdi, and Mohamed Abdel-Shafi remain sidelined due to injuries.
“We have more absentees ahead of the Enppi game, and as any coach would want, I hope for the availability of the entire squad to achieve victory. However, I am confident in the performance of the available players,” the Portuguese coach added.
Peseiro will rely on veteran midfielder Abdalla El-Saied and midfielder Nasser Maher, who returns from a three-game suspension, to help secure his first win with the Whites.
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