MAS Fez reach CAF Champions League group stage after dramatic win in Ivory Coast

Morocco’s MAS Fez have qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage after beating ASEC Mimosas 2-1 away in Abidjan, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and ending a 14-year absence from the competition.

Khalid Baba scored the decisive goal deep into stoppage time on Sunday to send the Moroccan side through after a tense second leg at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.

The victory came despite reported difficulties surrounding MAS Fez’s preparations and matchday arrangements in Ivory Coast.

Baba Strikes Late to Send MAS Fez Through

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Meknes, both sides entered the return fixture knowing that a place in the group stage was at stake.

The first half ended goalless before Christopher Ibayi gave MAS Fez the lead in the 62nd minute.

ASEC Mimosas responded through Kevin Bakare in the 73rd minute, levelling the match and setting up a tense finish.

However, Baba struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory on the night and a 3-2 aggregate success for the Moroccan club.

Reported Difficulties Before the Match

MAS Fez’s qualification followed reports of several problems during the team’s preparations in Abidjan.

According to Moroccan media reports, ASEC Mimosas officials initially refused requests to cut and water the pitch, raising concerns about the playing surface before the match.

The visiting delegation also reportedly faced difficulties obtaining tickets for Moroccan supporters who wanted to attend the fixture.

Radio Mars reported that MAS Fez players refused to use their allocated dressing room because of an unbearable smell. The team was subsequently forced to change into its playing kits and leave its belongings in the warm-up area after finding the dressing room unsuitable.

The reported incidents prompted complaints to the match delegate and raised questions about the conditions provided for visiting teams in African club competitions.

Moroccan Club Ends 14-Year Champions League Absence

Despite the reported challenges, MAS Fez secured the result needed to progress to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

The achievement marks the club’s return to the Champions League after 14 years away from the tournament.

MAS Fez had previously overcome Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC in the qualifying rounds before eliminating ASEC Mimosas to secure their place among the 16 teams in the group stage.

The Moroccan side will now turn its attention to the next phase of the competition, where it will face some of Africa’s leading clubs.