In a thrilling encounter that showcased the competitive spirit of Moroccan football, ASFAR advanced to the final of the CAF Champions League despite succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against RS Berkane at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Saturday night. With this semifinal victory, ASFAR triumphantly progressed with a 2-1 aggregate score, marking their return to the final for the first time since clinching the prestigious title in 1985. While RS Berkane celebrated a well-deserved win on the night, courtesy of a penalty from Yassine Labhiri, it ultimately fell short, unable to overturn the 2-0 deficit established in the first leg held in Rabat the previous weekend.
From the outset, Berkane imposed their game, seizing control of possession and pushing ASFAR onto the defensive. However, ASFAR’s backline demonstrated resilience, effectively stifling the Oranges’ attempts to penetrate their defense. One of the few opportunities that materialized for Berkane in the first half occurred in the 19th minute, when Youssef Mehri managed to break through the right side of the penalty area, delivering a cut-back pass from the by-line. Unfortunately for the Oranges, Paul Bassene failed to capitalize on the chance, unable to convert from close range under pressure from two ASFAR defenders.
Despite being somewhat overshadowed in terms of possession, ASFAR managed to create the clearest opportunity of the first half. In the 21st minute, a quick counter-attack saw Abdelfettah Hadraf deliver a precise pass that found Nolan Mbemba making a late run. However, in a critical moment, Mbemba’s shot soared over the goal, leaving the scoreline unchanged as the teams headed into halftime at 0-0.
The second half commenced with heightened intensity, and just six minutes in, the Oranges were awarded a controversial penalty when Bassene went down under minimal contact from Anas Bach. Despite a VAR review, the referee upheld his decision, leading to a penalty kick. Yassine Labhiri confidently converted from 12 yards, bringing the score to 1-0 in favor of RS Berkane, while reducing the aggregate deficit to 1-2.
In the 63rd minute, Labhiri nearly doubled his tally with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but ASFAR's goalkeeper, Ahmed Tagnaouti, made a remarkable save, preserving their aggregate lead. Shortly thereafter, ASFAR launched a sustained attack, culminating in a curling shot from Hadraf aimed at the top corner, only to be thwarted by a diving save from Anas Zniti.
As the match progressed, neither side was able to create further significant chances, with ASFAR demonstrating sufficient defensive organization to resist Berkane's advances. Ultimately, ASFAR's 2-1 aggregate victory secured their place in the final, where they will face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs in May. This upcoming final promises to be a thrilling encounter as ASFAR seeks to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of African club football.
As reported by supersport.com.
