Rahimo FC seek home turnaround against MAS de Fes in CAF Champions League

Rahimo FC will attempt to overturn a 4-1 first-leg defeat when they host MAS de Fes in the first preliminary round of the Ligue des Champions CAF on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

The Burkina Faso club must recover from a three-goal deficit at the Stade du 4 Aout, where kick-off is scheduled for 15:00. Despite the scale of the challenge, coach Saber Abdellaoui and captain Alassane Coulibaly said Rahimo FC still believe they can continue their African campaign.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match news conference, Abdellaoui said his players’ limited experience of continental football had contributed to the defeat in Morocco.

“The lack of experience of my players in an African campaign weighed heavily on the defeat in Fes. It was a little complicated because an African campaign is demanding,” said the Algerian coach.

Abdellaoui nevertheless rejected the idea that the tie had already been decided. He said the scoreline could still be overturned and urged supporters to attend in large numbers.

“Losing 4-1 does not mean it is impossible to turn the situation around in football. We are calling on the public to come out in force and support us,” he said.

Coulibaly echoed his manager’s belief that Rahimo FC remain capable of producing a comeback. The defender pointed to the way his side responded in the first leg, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before MAS de Fes eventually pulled away.

“The lack of experience affected our play. But for us, everything is still possible. We need the support of the 12th man,” Coulibaly said.

Rahimo FC now face the need for a major performance if they are to eliminate MAS de Fes and extend their run in the Ligue des Champions CAF. The home side are relying on the backing of the Stade du 4 Aout crowd as they look to overturn the Moroccan team’s advantage.

Representatives of the Moroccan side were absent from the pre-match news conference.