Maghreb de Fes put four past Rahimo to seize control of African tie

Maghreb de Fes made a powerful start to their African campaign by beating Burkina Faso’s Rahimo 4-1 in the first leg of the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

The Moroccan side took control at the Grand Stadium of Fes on Sunday, applying pressure from the opening stages as they looked to establish an early advantage in the tie.

Their positive approach was rewarded after only seven minutes. Adam Brika opened the scoring to give Maghreb de Fes the ideal start and put Rahimo on the back foot.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and dictate the rhythm of the match after taking the lead. Their attacking pressure remained constant as they sought to extend their advantage before half-time.

Rahimo resisted for much of the opening period, but Maghreb de Fes struck again in added time at the end of the first half. Souleymane Allouch found the net in the second minute of stoppage time, leaving the home team with a two-goal lead at the interval.

Maghreb de Fes resumed the second half with the same attacking intent. The Moroccan side pushed forward in search of a third goal that would put them in an even stronger position, but Rahimo found a way back into the contest through a swift counter-attack.

Narcisse Wedraogo reduced the deficit in the 59th minute, scoring Rahimo’s first goal and giving the visitors renewed hope. The goal also added greater urgency to a match that had appeared to be moving firmly in Maghreb de Fes’ direction.

The home side, however, responded quickly and did not allow the setback to affect their momentum. They intensified their attacking efforts and restored their two-goal advantage in the 71st minute, when Devin Titus scored.

Maghreb de Fes continued to press despite their comfortable position and added a fourth goal just five minutes later. Christopher Ebai completed the scoring by beating the Rahimo goalkeeper, giving the hosts a 4-1 victory.

The result leaves Maghreb de Fes in a commanding position ahead of the second leg and puts the club close to securing progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League. Rahimo now face the task of overturning a three-goal deficit in the return fixture.

The second leg is scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso on Saturday, 12 September, with Rahimo hosting Maghreb de Fes.

The Moroccan club’s performance in Fes was built on an aggressive start, two first-half goals and an immediate response after Rahimo threatened to change the course of the match. The four-goal display gives Maghreb de Fes a substantial advantage, although qualification will only be confirmed after the return game.

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