Morocco's Botola Pro Pauses with Kawkab Marrakech Leading Standings

Morocco's Botola Pro has been suspended for the November international break, allowing Moroccan internationals to join their national teams. The suspension was announced by the National Professional Football League (LNFP) on Sunday, to accommodate international fixtures scheduled between November 9 and 20. The league will resume with a schedule to be announced in the coming days. Kawkab Marrakech currently leads the standings with 16 points from seven matches.

Kawkab Marrakech strengthened their position on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Wydad Casablanca. CODM Meknes remains within two points of the leaders after defeating Moghreb Tetouan 1-0. Raja Casablanca also gained ground in the title race after beating Ittihad Tangier 2-0 on Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Aymen Barkok opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute, and Ayoub El Amloud doubled Raja's advantage shortly before halftime.

The victory moved Raja Casablanca into third place with 12 points, four behind Kawkab Marrakech. AS FAR, Wydad Casablanca, and Maghreb Fez follow on 11 points each, although AS FAR has played one match fewer than its rivals. AS FAR secured a 3-1 victory over Difaâ El Jadida on Sunday, while Wydad entered the break five points behind the leaders after their defeat in Marrakech.

At the opposite end of the standings, Renaissance Zemamra remain bottom with two points after seven matches, while Moghreb Tetouan sit 15th with three points. Neither side has recorded a league victory this season. The domestic suspension will allow Moroccan internationals to join their national teams for the November fixtures.

Morocco's senior national team, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, will face Niger twice in Group A of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Atlas Lions will host Niger at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on November 13, before the second encounter at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on November 17. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m.

Morocco enters the double-header with six points from their opening two qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho. The national team begins its preparations on Monday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while Botola clubs await confirmation of the next round of league fixtures.

The international break provides an opportunity for Moroccan players to represent their country and for the league to regroup before resuming domestic competition. The Botola Pro suspension is a regular occurrence to accommodate international fixtures and allow national teams to prepare for upcoming competitions.

Key points

• Kawkab Marrakech leads the Botola Pro standings with 16 points from seven matches.
• Raja Casablanca moved into third place with a 2-0 victory over Ittihad Tangier.
• Morocco's national team will face Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.