In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Moroccan football history, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RS Berkane) clinched their first-ever Botola Pro INWI league title on Saturday night.
A hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ittihad Touarga in the 25th round of the top-flight competition was enough to secure the championship, sparking jubilant celebrations among players, staff, and the club’s passionate supporters.
The single point earned at the Stade Municipal de Berkane pushed the Orange Boys to an insurmountable 60 points, opening a 15-point gap over their closest rivals, FAR Rabat, with five matches still to play.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Berkane’s consistent and dominant campaign, which saw them register an impressive 18 victories, six draws, and a solitary defeat against Fath Union Sportive throughout the season.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, even as the match proved to be a tense affair. Berkane struggled to break down a resolute Ittihad Touarga defense in the first half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute when Oussama Melioui, a key figure in Berkane’s success, found the back of the net, expertly assisted by Mohamed Al-Morabit. While the visitors managed to find an equalizer, the draw was all Berkane needed to confirm their historic triumph.
“The title did not come easily, but rather through a lot of work,” acknowledged a visibly emotional Melioui after the match. “I thank the managers and the fans who stood by us since the first round.”
His words echoed the sentiment of the entire club, recognizing the collective effort and unwavering support that propelled them to the summit of Moroccan football.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was quick to congratulate RS Berkane on their momentous achievement.
In an official statement, FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa extended his heartfelt congratulations, stating, “On behalf of the Executive Board, I extend my congratulations to Renaissance Sportive de Berkane for winning the Professional League title for the first time in their history.”
Berkane’s triumph not only secures them the coveted league title but also guarantees their participation in the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Champions League next season, marking a significant step forward for the club on the continental stage.
Following the final whistle, Melioui reiterated that their success was a direct result of dedication and perseverance.
“It’s an honour to achieve one of my goals with Nahdat Berkane. Today we will celebrate the title, and then we will turn the page and continue working match after match,” he affirmed, demonstrating the club’s commitment to continued success.
With five matches remaining in the season, all eyes will be on how Berkane finishes their historic campaign.
The focus will also shift to their preparations for the CAF Champions League, where they will aim to replicate their domestic success on the continental level.
