Raja Casablanca Land in Sétif with High Hopes for CAF Champions League Progress
Raja Casablanca have touched down in Sétif with a full-strength squad as they gear up for the decisive second leg of their CAF Champions League round of 16 clash against Algerian giants Entente Sportive de Sétif. The match, scheduled for Friday, will determine which of the North African powerhouses advances to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
Following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Stadium, the tie hangs in the balance—but it is Sétif who now carry the advantage with two valuable away goals. The defending champions will look to capitalise on home support at the Stade du 8 Mai 1945 and finish the job on their own turf.
Despite the odds, Raja arrive in Algeria brimming with belief. Goalkeeper Khaled Elaskri voiced his side’s confidence ahead of the clash, while acknowledging the high stakes involved.
“Today we are calm, before the final adjustments we’ll make here in Algeria for this very important match against ESS,” Elaskri told Le Buteur. “We finished the first leg with a 2-2 scoreline, which means both teams still have everything to play for. We’re expecting an open game, and we’ll do everything we can to leave Algeria with the qualification ticket.”
The Moroccan side, three-time winners of the CAF Champions League, are desperate to return to the tournament’s elite stages after several years of underwhelming continental campaigns. A win or a high-scoring draw (beyond 2-2) would see them through, while a 0-0 or 1-1 draw would send Sétif forward on away goals.
Entente Sétif, for their part, are determined to show their mettle as reigning champions. Their two-goal haul in Casablanca was a strong statement, and they are expected to come out strong in front of their home crowd. With the likes of Mourad Delhoum and the experience that comes from a successful continental run, the Algerians remain the favourites—but by a narrow margin.
Friday’s showdown promises all the ingredients of a classic Maghreb derby: high intensity, passionate fans, and everything to play for. Only one will march into the CAF Champions League group stage, and neither Raja nor Sétif are willing to settle for second best.
