CAFCL: Al Hilal coach braces for tactical RS Berkane

Al Hilal Omdurman coach Laurentiu Reghecampf has reacted to the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) quarter final draw.

The draw took place on Tuesday at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt where the Sudanese giants were pitted against RS Berkane FC from Morocco. The draw came after the successful conclusion of group-stage games.

🚨 URGENT – Tirage au sort de la Ligue des champions !

🇲🇦 AS FAR 🆚 Pyramids FC
🇲🇦 RS Berkane 🆚 Al Hilal Omdurman

🔥 Et en cas de qualification, L’AS FAR et Berkane se retrouveraient en demi-finale pour un choc 100 % marocain ! pic.twitter.com/KjihzcL9Z7

— KoraMaroc (@AtKoraMaroc) February 17, 2026

Reacting to the outcome of the draw, the Romanian dismissed assertions that his Kigali-based team had been handed a fair opponent.

The coach, as quoted by Rwanda’s New Times newspaper, insisted that the quarterfinal matches will only be decided “by the truth on the pitch.”

“Every team has its chances,” Reghecampf insisted. “It will be a very tough game. I think we can consider it a tactical battle between two good teams.”

How Al Hilal qualified for quarterfinals

Al Hilal, the Rwanda-based Sudanese side, qualified for the CAFCL quarterfinals from Group C as leaders alongside second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

On the other hand, MC Alger and FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo failed to get past the group-stage. Berkane emerged from Group A as the runner-up, six points behind leaders Pyramids.

When will two-legged quarterfinals be played?

The quarter final first-leg games will take place on the weekend of 13 and 14 March followed by the reverse leg on 20-21 March.

Berkane will host the first leg in Morocco before travelling to Rwanda for the return leg against Al Hilal.

The overall winner between Al Hilal and Berkane will have AS FAR or defending champions Pyramids waiting for a semi-final dance.

🇸🇩 Al Hilal Omdurman Face RS Berkane in CAF Champions League Quarterfinals

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Al Hilal Omdurman head coach Laurentiu Reghecampf has shared his thoughts following the CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw, which paired the Sudanese giants with Moroccan side RS Berkane.

The draw ceremony was held at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, after the conclusion of the group-stage matches. Al Hilal, who are currently based in Kigali due to circumstances back home, will now prepare for a highly anticipated two-legged clash against the North African outfit.

Laurentiu Reghecampf Reacts to Al Hilal vs RS Berkane Draw

Reacting to the outcome, Reghecampf dismissed suggestions that Al Hilal had received a “fair” or manageable opponent. Instead, the Romanian tactician emphasized that the outcome would ultimately be determined on the pitch.

“Every team has its chances,” Reghecampf said. “It will be a very tough game. I think we can consider it a tactical battle between two good teams.”

The coach’s remarks underline the competitive nature of the CAF Champions League at this stage, where margins are often slim and tactical discipline plays a decisive role.

Reghecampf believes the quarterfinal tie will demand focus, organization, and mental strength from his squad as they seek to progress further in Africa’s premier club competition.

How Al Hilal Omdurman Reached the CAF Champions League Quarterfinals

Al Hilal qualified for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after topping Group C. They advanced alongside South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns.

Their consistent performances in the group stage saw them finish ahead of strong opposition, including MC Alger and FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo, both of whom failed to advance.

On the other side, RS Berkane progressed from Group A as runners-up, finishing six points behind group leaders Pyramids FC.

Both clubs demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity in the group stage, setting up what promises to be one of the most intriguing quarterfinal matchups.

Quarterfinal Dates and Semi-Final Implications

The CAF Champions League quarterfinal first legs are scheduled for the weekend of 13–14 March, with the return legs taking place on 20–21 March.

RS Berkane will host the first leg in Morocco before traveling to Kigali, Rwanda, for the decisive second leg against Al Hilal.

The winner of this tie will face either AS FAR or defending champions Pyramids FC in the semifinals, potentially setting up a high-profile showdown involving North African powerhouses.

Tactical Battle Expected Between Two Strong Sides

Reghecampf described the encounter as a “tactical battle,” and that assessment appears accurate. RS Berkane are known for their disciplined defensive structure and ability to exploit transitions, while Al Hilal have shown adaptability and attacking efficiency in the group stage.

Key factors likely to determine the outcome include:

• Midfield control and possession management

• Defensive organization under pressure

• Clinical finishing in decisive moments

• Mental resilience in high-stakes scenarios

Playing the second leg at home in Kigali could offer Al Hilal a psychological advantage, especially if they secure a favorable result in Morocco.

Can Al Hilal Go Further in CAF Champions League?

Al Hilal Omdurman’s qualification as group leaders has already signaled their continental ambition. However, RS Berkane’s experience in African competitions makes them formidable opponents.

For Reghecampf, the focus remains on preparation rather than speculation.

With both sides evenly matched on paper, the tie could be decided by small details — a moment of brilliance, a defensive lapse, or strategic adjustments from the bench.

As the CAF Champions League quarterfinals approach, anticipation is building across Africa. The clash between Al Hilal and RS Berkane promises intensity, tactical intrigue, and potentially dramatic moments that could shape the remainder of the tournament.