Morocco: Benchikha and Merbah lead the Botola!

Oct 18, 2026

Back in a league he knows well, Abdelhak Benchikha made a strong impression in his debut with Ittihad Tanger, just like goalkeeper Gaya Merbah with Hassania Agadir.

Abdelhak Benchikha seems to have found his footing in Morocco. Leading Ittihad Tanger, the former coach of USM Alger is enjoying an excellent start to the season in Botola Pro. After four matches, his team has accumulated 7 points, with two wins, one draw, and one loss, placing them among the top teams, tied on points with Hassania Agadir, Union Touarga, MAS Fès, and COD Maknès.

The Algerian coach returned to Morocco in March 2026 when Ittihad Tanger hired him to replace José Mel. Benchikha signed for a season and a half with a club he knew well, having managed them several years earlier.

Morocco is not unfamiliar territory for the "General." Throughout his career, he has notably managed Ittihad Tanger, Raja Casablanca, Moghreb Tétouan, Mouloudia Oujda, Difaâ El Jadida, and RS Berkane. This significant experience allows him to understand the demands of the Botola well.

After several tumultuous experiences in recent seasons, Benchikha is finding his rhythm again. His Ittihad Tanger still has room for improvement, but this start to the season already shows one thing: the Algerian coach has quickly managed to get his team back to the top of the standings.

On his part, goalkeeper Gaya Merbah, also back in Morocco after a difficult situation at JS Kabylie, is shining with Hassania Agadir, having previously spent time at Ittihad Tanger a few years ago.

Although he has conceded seven goals in four matches, the 32-year-old keeper is delivering strong performances, and his club finds itself at the top of the league, tied with Benchikha's team, as well as the clubs from Meknes and Fès.

DZfoot