CAF Champions League: Togo’s ASCK play to draw with RS Berkane

ASCK were held to a 1-1 draw by RS Berkane Berkane on Sunday in Lomé, in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

The Togolese side made a bright start, showing intent from the opening whistle. Their attacking play created problems for the Moroccan defense, but chances were not converted. Time and again, ASCK’s forwards were blocked by a well-organized back line. The score remained goalless (0-0) at half-time.

Right after the restart, ASCK finally broke the deadlock. In the 47th minute, Amoudane Ouro Ayeva found the net, rewarding the team’s repeated efforts in attack.

The lead lasted until the 76th minute, when Renaissance Berkane’s number 28, Valère Paul Bassene, pounced on a rebound spilled by Togolese goalkeeper Mensah Ekoue to level the score.

ASCK tried to push forward again in the closing stages, but the scoreline did not change.

The result leaves regrets for the Togolese, who showed good intent but lacked efficiency in front of goal. For Berkane, however, the equalizer away from home represents a valuable result ahead of the decisive second leg in Morocco.

Post-match reactions

Mensah Ametokodo, ASCK head coach:

“This afternoon, it was a tough match on both sides. In the first half we tried to score but it didn’t work. Right after the restart we had the chance to open the scoring. Afterwards, we lacked a bit of freshness in midfield, and the substitutions we made didn’t really work out. The opponent took advantage and equalized. Overall, I think my players played a decent game. Facing a team like Berkane, who won the CAF Confederation Cup, they showed they could compete. Of course, we would have liked to keep the lead until the end, but I take away the fighting spirit of the group.”

Hosni Saifallah, RS Berkane assistant coach:

“It wasn’t an easy match. Both teams fought hard and I think the result reflects the game. We played a good first half, even though we conceded very early in the second. The positive thing is that we reacted well: we equalized and we could even have scored a second goal. For us, this draw away from home is a good result. The objective was to take something from Lomé to prepare for the return leg. Now we will play for qualification at home, with the ambition to go through.”

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