Rabat – Morocco’s RS Berkane secured a 2-0 away win over Sierra Leone’s Star Sport on Saturday in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, taking an important step toward qualifying for the group stage.
The Moroccan side delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking pressure with defensive organization to secure a comfortable advantage ahead of the return leg.
RS Berkane started the match with a clear plan, gradually increasing the tempo and taking control of proceedings as the first half progressed. The visitors looked to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense, while Star Sport attempted to create danger through counterattacks.
The Sierra Leonean side struggled to turn its attacking moves into clear scoring opportunities, with goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui facing little difficulty dealing with the threats directed at his goal.
Lamlioui delivers in the first half
RS Berkane’s early pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Lamlioui opened the scoring, giving the Moroccan team an important lead away from home.
The goal boosted the visitors’ confidence, allowing them to maintain their attacking approach and put further pressure on Star Sport’s defense.
Star Sport attempted to respond as the first half progressed, particularly in the closing minutes, but the hosts struggled to find a way past RS Berkane’s organized defensive line.
The Moroccan side took advantage of the space left by the hosts as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
In the 43rd minute, Lamlioui found the net again to double RS Berkane’s advantage and complete his brace before halftime.
The second goal strengthened the visitors’ position and allowed them to head into the break with a valuable two-goal cushion.
RS Berkane maintain control after the break
RS Berkane continued to look for additional goals in the second half while remaining cautious about Star Sport’s attempts to get back into the match.
The Moroccan side maintained its defensive discipline and limited the hosts’ opportunities to threaten the goal.
Despite the movements of Simon and Silla, Star Sport struggled to find solutions against RS Berkane’s well-organized defense.
The visitors managed the game effectively, balancing their attacking efforts with the need to protect their advantage.
RS Berkane ultimately held on to its 2-0 lead until the final whistle, securing an important away victory in the race to reach the CAF Champions League group stage.
What comes next for RS Berkane?
RS Berkane will now turn its attention to the second leg of the second preliminary round, where the Moroccan club will look to confirm its qualification for the group stage.
The two-goal advantage puts the team in a favorable position ahead of the return fixture. However, the job is not yet complete, as Star Sport will still have an opportunity to challenge the Moroccan side in the second encounter.
RS Berkane will aim to build on its defensive solidity and attacking efficiency from the first leg to avoid giving its opponents an opportunity to turn the tie around.
Lamlioui’s brace also provides an important boost for the Moroccan club, with the forward demonstrating his ability to make a difference in a crucial continental fixture.
A successful outcome in the return leg would secure RS Berkane’s place in the next phase of the competition and bring the club closer to its objective of competing in the CAF Champions League group stage.
For now, the 2-0 victory gives the Moroccan side a strong foundation to build on, although it must maintain its concentration over the return fixture to complete the job.
