Raja Casablanca handed boost ahead of CAF Confederation Cup clash with Togo’s ASKO Kara

Raja Casablanca have received a boost ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter against ASKO Kara after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected the Togolese club’s municipal stadium in Kara for failing to meet its required standards.

The decision means ASKO Kara will be unable to host the Moroccan side at their original home ground and must instead stage the fixture at the Kégué Stadium in Lomé, the Togolese capital.

The venue has received temporary approval from CAF to host the club’s group-stage matches while officials work to address the technical concerns raised by the continental governing body’s inspection committee.

The development could work in Raja’s favour, as ASKO Kara will have to play their home fixtures away from their usual stadium.

CAF rejects stadiums in 12 African countries

CAF’s decision extends beyond Togo, with stadiums in 12 other African countries also failing to receive approval to host continental competitions.

The affected countries are Sudan, Somalia, Sao Tome, Chad, Madagascar, Mozambique, Niger, Seychelles, Central African Republic, Benin, Guinea Conakry and Djibouti.

The ruling means clubs and national teams from these countries cannot host their opponents at the affected venues and must identify alternative stadiums that satisfy CAF’s requirements.

The temporary approval granted to the Kégué Stadium allows ASKO Kara to continue their participation in the competition while efforts are made to address the shortcomings identified at their original ground.

Raja target qualification from Group A

Raja Casablanca have been drawn in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Egyptian side Al Ahly, Togo’s ASKO Kara and Angola’s 1º de Agosto.

The Moroccan club will be hoping to navigate the group successfully and secure qualification for the next round as they pursue continental success.

The change of venue for ASKO Kara’s home matches provides another development ahead of Raja’s campaign, with the Moroccan side preparing to face the Togolese representatives in the group stage