Match preview: Two teams at a crossroads in the Botola Pro
Energies will be high when CR Khemis Zemamra host RSB Berkane on 18 February 2026 in a Botola Pro round that carries more than local pride. Khemis Zemamra arrive with a roller-coaster sequence of results: three wins, two draws and five defeats from ten matches, a tally that leaves them 11th in the table with just seven goals scored and fourteen conceded. Their most recent outing delivered a narrow 1-0 victory over Ittihad Tanger, a win that at least halts a wobble and gives coach and crowd some breathing room. RSB Berkane, nominally the away side, bring sharper attacking numbers and momentum from a convincing 3-0 success in continental action, and that recent performance — led by an 8.61-rated P. Bassène — cannot be ignored.
Form and stats point to an away edge
The season data paints a clear picture: Berkane average more dangerous attacks and a higher shots profile than Khemis Zemamra, with an attacks average north of 101 and dangerous attacks over 65 compared with the hosts’ 92 and 50 respectively. Berkane have found the net frequently — 13 goals from only six matches in their group line — while Khemis Zemamra have struggled for consistency in front of goal. Defensively, the visitors have conceded less overall, and their recent clean sheet in a high-stakes CAF Champions League game suggests organization and confidence.
Head-to-head history is slim but telling: the last recorded Botola meeting in February 2025 ended 1-0 in Berkane’s favour, a result that underlines the away side’s comfort when facing Khemis Zemamra. The hosts can be stubborn at home in patches — three clean sheets this season — but their goals-for figure and erratic run of wins and losses suggests they are vulnerable to sustained pressure.
What to expect
Expect Berkane to control phases of the match, probe consistently and look to exploit transitions. Khemis Zemamra will try to sit in and hit on the counter, seeking to make their home moments count. Given Berkane’s superior attacking return, and their recent morale-boosting performances, the pendulum leans toward the visitors taking three points. If you prefer to sharpen ideas around market selection and timing, consider reading practical guidance on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets, and for those interested in alternative approaches the primer on What does it mean the handicap market in sports betting? can be helpful.
Betting suggestion (final word) RSB Berkane to win (1X2). Backing the visitors is the clearest, data-driven play here: superior attacking output, fewer goals conceded, recent continental confidence and a favourable recent head-to-head all point to Berkane as the value pick. Play it with measured stakes — confidence moderate given the unpredictable nature of the hosts — and treat this as a single-match selection rather than a heavy exposure.
