CAF Champions League: ES Sétif Aim to Capitalise on Advantage Against Raja Casablanca
ES Sétif are well-positioned to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League as they prepare to host Raja Casablanca in a decisive second-leg clash this Friday. The Algerian champions will take confidence from their 2-2 away draw in the first leg, played at the iconic Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.
The high-stakes Maghreb derby promises to deliver drama, with both clubs eyeing a coveted spot in the next phase of Africa’s premier club competition. For ES Sétif, the away goals scored in Morocco could prove decisive, giving them a crucial edge as they return to the Stade du 8 Mai 1945 in Sétif.
Captain Mourad Delhoum, a seasoned presence in the midfield, expressed optimism ahead of the clash and praised his team’s performance in Casablanca. Speaking to FIFA.com, Delhoum highlighted the significance of their first-leg result:
“The experience we’ve accumulated in recent years has had a positive effect on the team. We managed to hold Raja on their own pitch and in front of their fans. It’s not easy to score two goals against a team like that, and fortunately we came away with a draw.”
Delhoum added that the result is a strong step toward qualification:
“We were excellent in the first leg, and this draw brings us one step closer to the group stage.”
As reigning CAF Champions League holders, ES Sétif are eager to defend their title and assert their dominance once again on the continental stage. Their solid performance in Morocco has only strengthened belief within the squad that they can go far in the tournament.
Raja Casablanca, however, are unlikely to go down without a fight. The Moroccan giants are desperate to return to Africa’s elite after years of underwhelming performances and will look to turn the tie around on Algerian soil.
With both sides boasting rich histories and passionate fan bases, Friday’s second leg is more than just a football match—it’s a regional rivalry with continental stakes. All eyes now turn to Sétif, where the fate of two North African giants hangs in the balance.
