RS Berkane coach urges intelligent approach against Al-Hilal

RS Berkane coach Mouine Chaâbani says his side will approach their quarter-final encounter against Al-Hilal Omdurman “intelligently” as they seek a positive result in the first leg of their CAF Champions League tie.

The Moroccan club will host the Sudanese side on Saturday at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 GMT.

The match represents the opening leg of a two-game contest that will determine which team advances to the semi-finals of Africa’s leading club competition.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Chaâbani acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge awaiting his team but stressed that the focus is on securing a favourable outcome before the return fixture.

“The match will be intense and difficult for both teams. No quarter-final match is easy, and qualification for the final will be decided over two matches.

Regardless of the result of the first leg, it is the second leg that will determine who qualifies.

We will try to approach the match intelligently to obtain a positive result that will make our task easier in the second leg,” he said.

RS Berkane are aiming to take an advantage from the home leg, aware that the outcome will shape their chances before travelling for the decisive second match.

The coach also addressed the mental approach his players must adopt as they prepare for the contest, highlighting the importance of handling the pressure that accompanies such high-stakes matches.

Despite some injury concerns within the squad, Chaâbani expressed confidence in the group available to him and their ability to rise to the occasion.

“Despite a few injuries, we have complete confidence in our players to give their best. There is no greater motivation than reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.”

The quarter-final tie places Berkane within reach of a place in the last four of the competition, a stage that represents a major objective for the club this season.

As the teams prepare to meet in the opening leg, Berkane will look to make the most of home advantage while Al-Hilal seek a result that keeps the tie finely balanced before the return match.