History for RS Berkane: Moroccan side reach TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage for the first time
Moroccan side, RS Berkane have booked their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League TotalEnergies group stage for the first time in the club’s history, following a 2–1 victory over Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli on Saturday evening in a match played at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
After a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Tripoli last week, the Berkane sealed qualification with a 3–2 aggregate win, marking a historic moment in their continental journey and underlining their steady rise in African football.
The visitors took an early lead through playmaker Muaid Ellafi, who found the net in the 10th minute with a superb long-range strike that caught the Berkane defence off guard and beat the home goalkeeper to make it 1–0.
Berkane responded with determination, pressing high in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Paul Bassin levelled the score with a precise low shot that left the Al Ahli goalkeeper with no chance.
The first half ended evenly at 1–1, with both sides showing great intensity and ambition to claim the decisive qualification spot.
Pushed on by a passionate home crowd, Berkane started the second half with renewed energy and belief. In the 54th minute, striker Ayoub Khairi struck what proved to be the winning goal, turning in a well-worked team move to give his side a 2–1 lead.
Despite late pressure from the Libyan side, Berkane’s defense stood firm, holding on to secure a famous victory and a maiden qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage — an achievement that marks another milestone in the club’s impressive recent history.
RS Berkane, who have already enjoyed success in continental competitions with two TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup titles and a CAF Super Cup triumph, now take their ambitions to the premier stage of African club football.
The Moroccan side will discover their group-stage opponents on Monday, November 3, during the official group-stage draw, which will take place at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.