FAR Rabat took a significant step towards the CAF Champions League final with a commanding 2-0 victory over fellow Moroccan side RS Berkane in the first leg of their semi-final in Rabat over the weekend.
Second-half goals from Ahmed Hammoudan and Khalid Ait Ourkhan proved decisive at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, handing the Royal Army a crucial advantage ahead of next weekend’s return leg in Berkane.
The result leaves FAR Rabat firmly in control of the tie, while RS Berkane face a difficult task to overturn the deficit on home soil if they are to reach the final.
The all-Moroccan showdown began cautiously, with both sides showing respect for each other’s strengths in a tense opening period. Chances were limited in the first half as defensive discipline dominated proceedings, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval.
FAR Rabat, however, gradually began to assert themselves after the restart, increasing the tempo and pushing Berkane deeper into their own half.
Their pressure eventually paid off just before the hour mark.
In the 58th minute, Ahmed Hammoudan broke the deadlock to give the hosts a deserved lead.
The forward reacted quickest inside the penalty area to capitalise on a loose ball after an initial effort had been parried, calmly finishing to put FAR Rabat ahead.
The goal lifted the home side and shifted momentum decisively in their favour, with Berkane struggling to regain their composure.
FAR Rabat continued to press for a second goal and were rewarded in the closing stages.
Substitute Khalid Ait Ourkhan made an immediate impact, scoring in the 79th minute with a powerful low strike from the edge of the penalty area after a defensive error by Berkane.
The goal effectively sealed the victory and gave FAR Rabat a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.
RS Berkane were unable to respond despite late attempts to reduce the deficit, as FAR Rabat’s defence held firm to secure a clean sheet.
The result marks a major blow for Berkane, who must now produce a strong performance in the return leg to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday, April 18, in Berkane, where the winner of the tie will secure a place in the CAF Champions League final.
The victor will face either Espérance Sportive de Tunis or Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, as the race for Africa’s biggest club prize reaches its decisive stage.
Courtesy of CafOnline.com
