Renaissance de Berkane face a decisive CAF Champions League test against Power Dynamos on Saturday as the Moroccan side look to recover from a damaging defeat and strengthen their grip on a place in the quarter-finals.
Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT at the Lévy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where Berkane arrive under pressure after suffering a heavy 3-0 loss to Pyramids FC in their previous group match.
That result halted their momentum and tightened the battle in Group A as the competition approaches its final round of fixtures.
Berkane currently sit second in the group with seven points, three ahead of their Zambian hosts. A victory away from home would open up a six-point gap between the two sides, placing the Moroccan club in a commanding position ahead of the final matchday and bringing them close to securing qualification for the knockout stages.
However, the challenge facing Berkane is far from straightforward. Power Dynamos revived their own campaign last weekend with a narrow 1-0 win over Rivers United, a result that restored belief after a difficult start to the group phase.
That victory lifted the Zambian champions to four points and kept their hopes alive, making Saturday’s encounter a crucial opportunity to close the gap.
For Berkane, the focus will be on regaining attacking sharpness after their struggles in Egypt. The defeat to Pyramids exposed weaknesses at both ends of the pitch, and the Moroccan side will be keen to show greater efficiency in front of goal as they aim to respond positively.
The match also carries wider significance in the context of the group standings. Pyramids lead Group A with 10 points and a perfect defensive record, leaving little margin for error for the teams chasing behind.
Any slip by Berkane could leave qualification unresolved heading into the final round.
Power Dynamos, meanwhile, will be encouraged by home support and the knowledge that a win would dramatically reopen the group. With both teams still fighting for progression, the encounter is expected to be closely contested.
The match will be broadcast live on Canal+ Sport, New World TV, beIN Sports, SuperSport and national broadcasters of the teams involved, with coverage also available online.
Group A standings
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Pyramids – 10 pts (4 matches played, 7-0 goals)
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Renaissance de Berkane – 7 pts (4 matches played, 5-4 goals)
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Power Dynamos – 4 pts (4 matches played, 1-4 goals)
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Rivers United – 1 pt (4 matches played, 1-6 goals)
