CAF Cup: Renaissance de Berkane is unstoppable

A true steamroller since the start of the season, Renaissance de Berkane continues to crush everything in its path, whether in the Botola Pro Inwi D1 or the CAF Cup. An unshakeable leader in the league, RSB has also secured the top spot in Group B of the CAF Confederation Cup, thanks to a second consecutive victory brought back from Durban on Sunday. The Easterners inflicted a severe 3-1 defeat on the Stellenbosch team on the pitch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Despite having only 39% possession, the Moroccans managed to impose their rhythm and achieved 15 shots (including 6 on target) against 8 shots for the hosts, who could only observe the damage.

Still as efficient as ever, the Oranges opened the scoring with a header from Youssef Zghoudi (5th minute), who then doubled the lead in the 15th minute, again with a header. Stunned, the South Africans tried to bring danger into the RSB penalty area, without success. Reda Hajji finally delivered the knockout blow in the 83rd minute with a shot from 30 metres out that left the opposing goalkeeper no chance. Stellenbosch reduced the deficit in the 87th minute, but this goal had no impact on the final outcome. Renaissance de Berkane brought its total points to 6 and sat alone at the top of Group B, ahead of Stade Malien (4 pts), its next opponent. After the final whistle, the RSB coach, Mouïne Chaâbani, expressed his joy, ensuring that his team's mission was not easy, despite the displayed result: "These three points are very important for us, especially given the climatic conditions we had to face. We managed to hold on, and there are few teams capable of winning here in South Africa." Renaissance de Berkane is having the best start to the season in its history this year. In the Botola Pro Inwi D1, it occupies the first position. The club has recorded six wins and one draw in its last seven league appearances and had a 7-point lead over its direct pursuer before travelling to South Africa. On the continental level, RS Berkane intends to set the record straight after the 2024 CAF Cup final, lost to Zamalek. The Moroccan club is in search of a third title this season and will certainly aim for the double.