ASEC Mimosas have publicly criticised Moroccan side RS Berkane on the eve of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final second leg, accusing their opponents of underhanded tactics in the build-up to the crucial fixture.
The Ivorian club, trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Abidjan, face RS Berkane at the Stade Municipal de Berkane with a semi-final place at stake.
But tensions between the two sides have escalated off the pitch following pointed remarks from ASEC head coach Julien Chevalier, who hinted at possible attempts to destabilise his squad ahead of the tie.
ASEC had earlier raised concerns over the late arrival of their delegation in Saidia, citing a failure to receive plane tickets in time as the reason for the delay.
Now, Chevalier has suggested there may be a deliberate effort by the Moroccan side to unsettle his team in the lead-up to the high-stakes encounter.
“Maybe we’re starting to scare people,” the French coach said during his pre-match media duties. “We need to stay calm, remain focused at all times during the game, and take our chances when they come — something we failed to do in the first leg.”
He continued: “But when I look at how things have been organised since we arrived… maybe there are those who feel threatened by us.”
The remarks follow what ASEC believe to be a pattern of logistical challenges that they say have affected their preparations.
While no formal complaint has been lodged with the Confederation of African Football, the public airing of grievances is a clear sign of the rising tension between the two sides.
RS Berkane have not responded to the accusations. The club, who recently secured the Moroccan league title for the first time in their history, have opted to remain silent in the face of the claims, choosing instead to focus on their on-pitch performance.
The comments from Chevalier are likely to add further fuel to what was already shaping up to be a fiercely contested second leg.
ASEC Mimosas are one of the most decorated clubs in West Africa and see this year’s CAF Cup campaign as a key opportunity to return to continental prominence.
For Berkane, a team with a growing reputation in African football, the match represents a chance to edge closer to another title on the continental stage.
They’ve built a reputation for being tough to beat at home and will look to capitalise on their narrow first-leg advantage.
Despite the off-field drama, Chevalier remains confident that his players can rise to the occasion. “This is a moment that demands mental strength.
We must not allow ourselves to be distracted. Our focus is to get the result we need and reach the semi-finals.”
With emotions running high and both sides fully aware of what’s at stake, the clash in Berkane promises to be an intense affair.
ASEC Mimosas will need to overcome both a one-goal deficit and what they perceive to be mind games, while RS Berkane will look to maintain their composure and deliver the result that secures their passage to the next round.
Kick-off in what is now a highly charged quarter-final tie is set for this weekend, with the eyes of African football followers firmly fixed on Berkane.
🎙️ Julien Chevalier (Extrait de la conférence de presse d’avant-match):
« Au match aller, on a assisté pendant longtemps à une rencontre très équilibrée, avec quelques opportunités, même pour nous. Mais on sait que si on ne saisit pas les occasions dans le football, il peut… pic.twitter.com/9bu6tr2rjU
— ASEC Mimosas (@ASECMimosas) April 9, 2025
