Rabat – The stage is set for a historic night in Moroccan football tomorrow as AS FAR and RS Berkane prepare to face off in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, AS FAR travels to the Municipal Stadium of Berkane aiming to secure their first final appearance in four decades, while the hosts look to pull off a monumental comeback.
Santos: ‘A historic moment with no room for complacency’
AS FAR manager Alexandre Santos was quick to temper expectations despite his team’s two-goal advantage. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician emphasized the historical weight of the fixture.
“It’s a great honor to be here. This is the first time in 40 years that AS FAR has reached this stage, and it marks a historic milestone for the club,” Santos said.
Despite the lead, Santos warned against overconfidence, comparing the situation to a halftime lead in a single match. “There is no clear favorite. It’s like going into the dressing room at halftime up 2-0; you still have at least 90 minutes of football to play. We have worked for 14 months to build this group, and we intend to stick to our philosophy: dominate possession, create chances, and keep a clean sheet.”
Chaabani: ‘Fighting against the result and the clock’
On the other side, RS Berkane manager Moine Chaabani acknowledged the uphill battle his side faces but remains defiant. The Tunisian coach, known for his tactical pedigree in African competitions, believes his squad has the mental fortitude to overturn the deficit.
“We are playing against both the result and the clock,” Chaabani admitted. “AS FAR has shown great stability and quality throughout this tournament, but we have prepared all week, mentally and physically, to move past the weight of the first-leg result.”
Chaabani promised a “thrilling” encounter for the fans, stating, “Everyone is ready to give everything. We know the task isn’t easy, but we will do our utmost to secure that ticket to the final.”
A Moroccan spot is already secured in the final
The all-Moroccan semi-final points to the current dominance of Botola on the continental stage. While AS FAR holds the upper hand following their 2-0 victory in the first leg, the intimidating atmosphere at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane could play a pivotal role.