IRT Tanger edged out USF Fes in a tense five-set Moroccan Super League battle on December 14, 2019, coming from behind twice to secure a 3-2 home victory. The result gave the Tangier-based side a valuable boost in the standings and highlighted their growing resilience in front of their home crowd.

Match overview

Played at 23:00 local time, the encounter lived up to its late-night billing with both teams trading heavy blows from the first whistle. IRT Tanger controlled the opening exchanges, using their block to contain USF Fes and taking the first set. However, the visitors responded with improved serving and a sharper transition game to level the match. The pattern continued through the middle sets, with each side refusing to give an inch before IRT Tanger found a decisive edge in the final set.

• First set: IRT Tanger 25-23 USF Fes
• Second set: USF Fes 25-22 IRT Tanger
• Third set: IRT Tanger 25-21 USF Fes
• Fourth set: USF Fes 25-20 IRT Tanger
• Fifth set: IRT Tanger 15-13 USF Fes

Key moments

USF Fes appeared to have all the momentum after forcing the decider, but IRT Tanger’s blocking unit stepped up at the net in the closing stages. A pair of crucial timeouts allowed the home side to regroup, and a service run in the middle of the fifth set turned a narrow deficit into a lead they never surrendered. The final point came from a well-disguised tip that caught the visiting defense off guard.

Standout performers

IRT Tanger’s outside hitters carried the offensive load, while the middle blockers were instrumental in slowing down USF Fes’s quick attacks. For the visitors, the opposite hitter was a constant threat from the right side and kept the Fes team competitive deep into the match.

Season impact

The win allowed IRT Tanger to claim a second consecutive home victory in the Super League and added important points to their early-season total. USF Fes left empty-handed despite a spirited display, but their ability to push a strong opponent to five sets suggested they would remain competitive in the weeks ahead.