CS Constantine will attempt to overturn a heavy first-leg defeat when they host RS Berkane on Sunday at the Chahid-Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, with a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final at stake.
After falling 4-0 in Morocco last weekend, the Algerian side face a daunting challenge but are hoping that home support and a spirited performance can inspire a remarkable comeback.
Determined not to concede defeat, Constantine are preparing to deliver a flawless display in their quest for a first-ever appearance in a continental final.
“We made a lot of mistakes in the first leg, and at this level, you pay for it dearly. We will do everything to erase the defeat of the first leg, and redeem ourselves in front of our supporters,” said CSC coach Kheïreddine Madoui.
Constantine’s path to the semi-finals was itself a notable achievement, having edged past compatriots USM Alger via a penalty shootout after both legs ended 1-1.
That hard-fought victory has given the team belief as they aim to join the select group of Algerian clubs to have hosted an African Cup final.
Madoui will be boosted by the return of forward Tahar Fathallah, who missed the first leg through injury.
His availability provides additional options as Constantine seek to craft a game plan capable of unsettling the Moroccan visitors and keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Sunday’s match will be officiated by Sudanese referee Mahmoud Ali Mahmoud Ismail, assisted by Abdallah Mohamed Ibrahim and Djiboutian Ahmed Liban.
Tunisian Melki Mehrez will serve as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) responsibilities have been assigned to Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, supported by Libyan official Ahmed Abdulrazag.
In the day’s other semi-final, Stellenbosch FC will look to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they host Tanzania’s Simba SC.
The South African side will have the advantage of playing at home after narrowly losing at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar Es Salaam during the first leg.
As the second legs unfold, both CS Constantine and Stellenbosch face tall orders but remain hopeful of delivering performances to remember in pursuit of a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final.
