Rabat – RS Berkane will play a decisive match against Rivers United of Nigeria on Saturday, February 14, with only one goal in mind: victory.
A win is the only way for the Moroccan side to secure direct qualification to the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League.
Berkane currently sit second in Group A with 7 points, the same tally as Zambia’s Power Dynamos. Egyptian club Pyramids lead the group with 13 points and have already booked their place in the next round.
Rivers United are bottom with just one point, but they will approach the game with nothing to lose, making them a dangerous opponent.
Berkane missed the chance to seal qualification in their last outing, losing 2-0 away to Power Dynamos on February 7. That defeat followed another setback against Pyramids, who beat them 3-0 in round four.
Two consecutive losses have left Berkane under pressure, knowing that only a win at home will guarantee their progress.
Berkane must overcome Rivers United, while Dynamos face Pyramids in the other group match. For the Zambian side, the equation is simple – they need to beat Pyramids and hope Berkane fail to win.
This scenario adds intensity to Berkane’s task. The Moroccan team will be playing under heavy pressure, aware that their supporters expect them to deliver after recent disappointments.
Rivers United, on the other hand, will play freely, with no expectations, which could make them unpredictable.
The team has the chance to become the second Moroccan club to reach the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after ASFAR.
A win against Rivers United would secure their place in the last eight and rebuild confidence after two straight defeats.
