CAF Champions League: ES Sétif Aim to Soar in Maghreb Derby Against Raja Casablanca
Algerian side ES Sétif will take on Raja Casablanca in a highly anticipated Maghreb derby this Sunday, as the CAF Champions League round of 16 gets underway. Despite recent setbacks, the reigning African champions are determined to make a strong statement in Morocco.
Sétif travel to Casablanca still nursing the wounds of their Algerian Cup semi-final defeat and will be without six players due to injury. However, coach Kheireddine Madoui is confident that his side can overcome adversity and rise to the occasion against one of the continent’s most storied clubs.
The match pits two North African powerhouses against each other. Raja Casablanca, three-time winners of the Champions League, are expected to have the backing of a passionate home crowd at the Stade Mohamed V. ES Sétif, meanwhile, are seeking to reaffirm their credentials as continental champions following a mixed run of domestic form.
“Raja always give their best when it comes to a Maghreb derby, and Sunday will be no different,” Madoui told reporters ahead of the clash. “It’s a big game, but we’re prepared to face a strong opponent. Despite the absentees, I have confidence in my squad.”
ES Sétif were on the receiving end of jeers from the Moroccan public during the FIFA Club World Cup last December, and the club is eager to shift the narrative and restore pride. The match also carries national significance, with Sétif representing Algerian football in one of Africa’s most fierce regional rivalries.
Last Tuesday, Sétif ended a run of three straight defeats with a morale-boosting league win — a result that Madoui believes could not have come at a better time.
“That victory allows us to go to Morocco with renewed confidence,” said the coach. “We want to defend our title and also uphold Algeria’s honour in this derby.”
With both clubs steeped in history and continental success, Sunday’s fixture promises to be one of the highlights of this round. The return leg in Algeria will follow in two weeks’ time, but for now, all eyes will be on Casablanca as the champions face one of their most challenging tests yet.
