Berkane defeat CS Constantine to seize control of semi-final
Published:
RS Berkane took a commanding step towards the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final with a thumping 4-0 win over Algeria’s CS Constantine in Sunday’s first leg semi-final in Morocco.
The 2020 and 2022 champions were ruthless from the outset at the Municipal Stadium of Berkane, with Youssef Mehri opening the scoring within seconds of kick-off.
The early goal sent the home fans into raptures and set the tone for a dominant performance.
Paul Bassène doubled the lead before the break with a composed finish, putting Berkane firmly in control by half-time against a shell-shocked Constantine side.
The visitors, making a rare appearance in the latter stages of a CAF competition, struggled to cope with Berkane’s pace and intensity throughout the match.
Their resistance crumbled further in the 54th minute when Oussama Lamlaoui added a third for the Moroccan side.
Lamlaoui then capped an outstanding evening with a second goal in the dying moments, ensuring Berkane carry a formidable advantage into next week’s second leg in Algeria.
The hosts combined fluid attacking play with relentless pressing to completely nullify Constantine, who barely registered a threat in the final third.
Berkane’s experience on the continental stage was evident, as they controlled the tempo and punished every defensive lapse.
With a four-goal cushion and one foot firmly in the final, Berkane are now strong favourites to reach their third CAF Confederation Cup final in five years.
CS Constantine, meanwhile, face a near-impossible task in the return leg. They will need to produce one of the greatest comebacks in CAF club competition history to overturn the deficit.
