On a sun-drenched Saturday evening at Stade d’Honneur, CODM Meknès delivered a performance brimming with intent and tactical clarity, dispatching FUS Rabat 2-0 and sending a clear message to the rest of the Botola Pro: the Meknès side is no longer content to play the role of upstart, and FUS Rabat’s days as title contenders may be numbered.

From the outset, the match had the feel of a litmus test—not just for the hosts, freshly navigating the rough waters of Morocco’s top flight, but for FUS Rabat, a club whose ambitions have, in recent years, often exceeded their execution. Both teams entered the contest keenly aware of the stakes, yet it was Meknès who seized control, dictating tempo and intent with a blend of disciplined pressing and vertical play that left Rabat flat-footed for much of the contest.

Key Moments and Tactical Nuance

The first half was defined by CODM’s collective organization. Their midfield trio, anchored by the industrious Yassine Senhaji, clogged passing lanes and forced Rabat into rushed decisions, stifling the creativity that has been the hallmark of their attack in seasons past. FUS Rabat’s response was tepid: long balls and speculative crosses that rarely troubled Soufiane Taher, Meknès’ unflappable goalkeeper.

It was, in fact, a moment of patient buildup and incisive movement that broke the deadlock just after the hour mark. Senhaji, whose influence grew as the match wore on, initiated the move with a clever interception at midfield. The ball found its way to Oussama Msahli, whose deft control and low drive left the Rabat keeper rooted to the spot—a goal that was as much about collective ambition as individual brilliance.

Rabat, stung by the deficit, showed flashes of urgency but were ultimately undone by their own lack of cohesion. CODM doubled their lead in the closing quarter, with Mohamed Gharmal capping a swift counterattack, the result of yet another Rabat turnover in midfield. The Stade d’Honneur erupted, sensing a statement victory was at hand.

Player Performances: Heroes and Strugglers

For Meknès, the evening was a showcase of emerging talent and seasoned resilience. Senhaji’s performance in midfield was emblematic of CODM’s approach: tireless, disciplined, and opportunistic. Msahli’s goal and overall presence provided a focal point in attack, while Gharmal’s late strike was a just reward for his relentless pressing.

At the back, Hamza Malki and Luis Enrique marshaled the defensive line with composure, limiting Rabat to half-chances and never allowing the visitors to establish rhythm. Keeper Soufiane Taher, while rarely tested, exuded calm when called upon.

In stark contrast, FUS Rabat were a shadow of the side that has so often dazzled in recent seasons. Their inability to break the lines or generate meaningful chances will be a concern for manager and supporters alike. The midfield, usually a source of strength, was overrun and outthought; the attack, bereft of ideas.

Broader Implications: A Changing of the Guard?

This result does more than shuffle early-season standings—it hints at a potential power shift in Moroccan football. CODM Meknès, long considered plucky outsiders, are evolving into a side capable of dictating terms against the division’s elite. The clarity of their tactical plan and the maturity of their execution suggest this is no fluke.

For FUS Rabat, the loss is symptomatic of deeper issues. Winless in two and struggling to find the net, they look a side in search of identity at precisely the wrong time. The sense of drift was palpable, both on the pitch and in the technical area. Unless resolved, Rabat’s ambitions for silverware this year may already be out of reach.

The Verdict: Meknès on the Rise, Rabat at a Crossroads

CODM Meknès’ 2-0 triumph is more than just three points; it is a marker laid down in a league that has long been dominated by the usual suspects. Their blend of youth and structure could make them this season’s surprise package.

For FUS Rabat, the defeat is a wake-up call. The league may be young, but the warning signs are clear: without reinvention, the window for this group to compete at the summit may be closing faster than anyone in the capital cares to admit.

The Botola Pro, it seems, has a new narrative—and Meknès is writing it.