It was a historic night at Municipal Stadium in Berkane in front of a fully packed stadium as the CAF Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane defeated Li
It was a historic night at Municipal Stadium in Berkane in front of a fully packed stadium as the CAF Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane defeated Libyan side Al Ahli Tripoli 2-1 to qualify for the group stage of the 2025-26 season.
The first leg ended 1-1 in Libya, with either side fancying its chances to win the last slot.
15 teams have already qualified, with the final one confirmed on Saturday night.
The match was a high-stakes affair, with both teams pushing for dominance. Berkane, buoyed by their home support and a strong recent run of form, especially at home, capitalised on their chances to outscore the visitors.
Muaid Ellafi stunned the home crowd with a 10th-minute opener. Mouin Chabaani’s Berkane needed to calm all nerves down after conceding the goal to stand any chance of coming back into the game.
In-form Senegalese striker Paul Bassene levelled the score for Berkane in the 28th minute.
The tie was firmly balanced as it was 2-2 on aggregate. A goal for any side would be great, especially for the visitors due to the away goal rule.
Ayoub Kairi scored the winner in the 54th minute for the Moroccans to make history.
It was Berkane’s maiden appearance in the CAF Champions League after being in existence for over eight decades.
The Moroccan champions are entering uncharted territory, but are optimistic they can make amends, as whoever wins the 2025-26 CAF Champions League, except Pyramids, will book a place in the next FIFA Club World Cup
COMMENTS