Berkane complete semi-final line-up after winning five-goal thriller
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Moroccan side Renaissance Berkane secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after winning the second-half five-goal thriller by defeating Libya's Abu Salim 3-2 on Sunday.
The 2020 and 2022 title winners showcased their resilience in the second-leg game in a thrilling match that saw a total of five goals scored in a single half and also saw two players sent off.
Berkane player Omar El Arjoun and Hossam El Abani of Abu Salim were given their marching orders in stoppage time as both sides fought for victory.
This win for Berkane came after the first leg of the quarter-final match ended in a goalless draw in Benghazi.
Burkina Faso international, Asofu Dayo, was the hero as he scored the third goal for Berkane deep into stoppage time that sparked wild jubilation for the home side.
This means Berkane advance 3-2 aggregate and will face off against the reigning champions, USM Alger, in what promises to be a highly anticipated clash.
The first half remained goalless despite attempts from both sides, with the home team facing strong resistance from the Libyan defence, which thwarted all attempts by the Tunisian coach Mouin Chaabani's squad.
Abu Salim entered the second half with vigour, surprising the Moroccans with an early goal in the 47th minute by Hossam El Abani.
However, Senegalese player Boubacar Fall responded for Berkane in the 68th minute.
Moroccan defender Adil Tahif added the second goal for Berkane in the 72nd minute, bringing the score to 2-1 in favor of the Moroccans against the Libyans.
Refusing to surrender, Abu Salim players managed to equalise in the 83rd minute through Abd El Moumen El Ayan, intensifying the match.
Youssef El Fahli scored the third goal for Renaissance Berkane in the 90+10th minute, but the goal was disallowed upon review by VAR.
The efforts of Berkane players paid off with a third goal in the 90+15th minute, sealing their qualification to the semi-finals of the competition.
