RS Berkane took a significant step toward the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan.
The Moroccan side capitalized on their chances in the quarter-final first-leg encounter, leaving the Ivorian champions with an uphill task ahead of the return leg.
Late strike gives Berkane the advantage
A tightly contested match at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock for much of the game.
However, the breakthrough came in the 75th minute, when Imad Khemou made an immediate impact off the bench.
Having been introduced just six minutes earlier, the forward wasted no time in making his presence felt, slotting home the decisive goal to hand RS Berkane a crucial away win.
The Moroccan side had to navigate the match without their captain Issoufou Dayo, who was forced off with an injury in the first half.
Despite this setback, they remained resolute in defense, frustrating ASEC’s attacking efforts.
ASEC reduced to ten men in final stages
ASEC Mimosas’ night went from bad to worse in the closing minutes as Brou Koffi received his second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men.
With numerical superiority, RS Berkane controlled possession and saw out the game professionally to secure a vital first-leg advantage.
A tough task ahead for ASEC
The result puts RS Berkane in pole position to advance to the last four, with the return fixture set to take place in Morocco next week.
ASEC Mimosas will need a strong response on the road if they are to overturn the deficit and keep their CAF Confederation Cup ambitions alive.
