CAFCL: ‘AS FAR versus RS Berkane tie open’ – Santos

Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (AS FAR) coach Alexandre Santos insists the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) semifinal tie against RS Berkane is still open.

The Portuguese issued the caution to his wards after they registered an away 2-0 semi-final, first leg victory over the fellow Moroccans, RS Berkane, on Saturday.

One day left. Buckle up for the semifinal pic.twitter.com/UixzJuux8d

— Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (@ASFAR_Officiel) April 10, 2026

In a post-match press conference as quoted by ElBotola, Santos put matters into perspective, saying the two-legged nature of the CAFCL last-four stage matches mean that there is plenty to play for in the return match this weekend.

Santos puts semifinal tie into perspective

“We showed the ability to score goals and make a difference against the opponent, and I believe the result was totally deserved,” the AS FAR coach said.

“Now, everything is still open. Of course, even if the result is positive, the message remains the same: this is just the first half. We scored two goals, but the opponent also possesses the quality that allows them to score in the second half or in the return leg.”

Santos explains what he expects from AS FAR

Santos explained that he expects his players to turn up for the second leg with the same hunger and desire to apply themselves fully.

“We just need to continue with good performance and teamwork, and prepare well during the coming week, because we will go to Berkane and seek to achieve a new victory,” he said.

Ready to roll for the big game pic.twitter.com/7XtAzKvSYs

— Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (@ASFAR_Officiel) April 10, 2026

“I hope our fans will support the team in the second leg, as they are very important to us. They give us great strength and motivation, because they can help us achieve our goal of qualifying for the final.”

Who scored for AS FAR versus RS Berkane?

Ahmed Hammoudan opened the scoring close to the hour mark for Les Militaires before Khalid Ait Ouarkhane’s late strike confirmed an important result for the hosts at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in the Moroccan capital.

Depending on the aggregate score, either AS FAR or RS Berkane will date the overall winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance Tunis in the final.

The South African giants secured a 1-0 semifinal, first leg victory over the Tunisians on Sunday.