CAFCC: It was not an easy game – Berkane coach Mouin Chaabani

Photo Credit: RS Berkane

RS Berkane beat Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas 1-0 on Wednesday to confirm a 2-0 victory on aggregate and progress to the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals. The Moroccan champions were the clear favorites over the two-legged affair. Head coach Mouin Chaabani commented on the game, praising the courage of his players.

“I congratulate my players for qualifying over the two games. The match in Berkane was not an easy one. The players showed great initiative to win. I also stated in the pre-match press conference that the game would not be easy.”

Berkane waited until the latter stages of the second half to score the crucial goal, as Oussama Lamlioui sent the Moroccan outfit through to the semifinals. Chaabani is now aware of what is at stake but remained diplomatic about being considered favorites to win the Confederation Cup.

“There is no winner before the games are played. I have watched all the teams, and they all have respectable histories. Look at Simba. CS Constantine are also strong and while Stellenbosch may be newcomers, they deserve to be here. They’re all strong teams. However, with the right effort and preparation, it can happen.”

Berkane now face Algerian side CS Constantine in the semifinals. Algerian and Moroccan clubs have once again been drawn against each other at a decisive stage of the Confederation Cup, following the abandoned 2024 tie between RS Berkane and USM Alger that resulted in a Berkane victory by forfeit due to political tensions.