RS Berkane clinched a crucial 1-0 away win against Stade Malien on Sunday evening, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Group B clash, held at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, saw Berkane extend their perfect run in the group stage with a fourth consecutive victory.
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute when forward Imad Riahi found the back of the net. His strike sealed all three points for the Moroccan side and reinforced their dominance at the top of the group standings.
Commanding Group B Leadership
RS Berkane’s flawless campaign has seen them amass 12 points from four matches, cementing their position as Group B leaders.
Earlier in the day, South African side Stellenbosch defeated Angola’s CD Lunda Sul 2-0, moving up to second place with six points.
Stade Malien, with four points, now faces an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, CD Lunda Sul remains at the bottom of the group with just a single point from four matches.
Impressive Consistency from Berkane
The victory in Bamako showcased Berkane’s tactical discipline and ability to perform under pressure.
Their strong defensive display kept the home side at bay throughout the match, while Riahi’s goal highlighted their clinical edge in attack.
With two games still to play in the group stage, Berkane’s early qualification underlines their status as serious contenders for the CAF Confederation Cup title this season.
The Moroccan club will now look to maintain their momentum and finish the group phase unbeaten.
The Road Ahead for Group B Teams
For Stade Malien and Stellenbosch, the race for the second qualification spot intensifies.
The Malians must capitalize on their remaining fixtures to stay in contention, while Stellenbosch will aim to build on their victory over Lunda Sul.
As the group stage progresses, all eyes will be on Berkane to see if they can sustain their dominance and potentially secure the top seed for the quarter-finals.
With their recent performances, they have set a high standard that their rivals will find hard to match.
RS Berkane’s win not only guarantees their progression but also sends a strong message to the competition as they continue their quest for another CAF Confederation Cup triumph.
