JS Soualem 1-1 IZK: pegged back in stoppage time in Berrechid

In the first half, IZK won a penalty, protested by the Soualem players to the referee, but Younes Naiym failed to convert it. The Zemmouris still took the lead in the 38th minute from a corner, through defender Oussama Al Aiz.

After the break, JS Soualem pushed and IZK dropped back, playing on the counter-attack. Goalkeeper Ismaiyl Ezzahi kept out a serious effort from the hosts. The coach brought on Bilal Essadrati, then Issam Benouahi and Hamza Kalai, replacing among others Cedric Elysée Kodjo and Mohammed Moujahid.

Despite five minutes of added time being announced, IZK could not hold on: Jeunesse Sportive Soualem, playing their first match since their coach’s departure, snatched an equaliser in stoppage time.

As in Safi, where the opposition goal came in the 89th minute, IZK conceded late on the road. It is their first draw of the season. With 13 points from six matchdays, they are fourth, level with Wydad de Fès and Olympique Dcheira, one point behind US Yacoub El Mansour. The team currently relies on one established line-up with few options on the bench, so the winter transfer window will matter in the promotion race.

Next up: matchday 7, on Saturday 7 November at 5 pm against SC Chabab Mohammédia at the 18 November Stadium.