Moroccan side FAR Rabat and Djoliba AC of Mali were among five teams that secured their places in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday.
FAR Rabat delivered a solid performance against Sudan’s Al Merreikh, bouncing back from a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
They won the second leg convincingly with a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Hammoudan and Congolese forward Joël Beya. This victory ensures that Morocco has two representatives in the group stage, joining fellow Moroccan club Raja Casablanca.
However, it was a mixed weekend for Ivorian clubs. Stade d’Abidjan managed to advance despite suffering a 2-1 defeat against Milo FC, having secured a 2-0 win in the first leg. Their aggregate score allowed them to progress, showcasing their resilience in the competition.
In contrast, Côte d’Ivoire’s champions, San Pedro, faced a disappointing exit. After a goalless draw at home, they lost 1-0 to Al-Hilal, who are coached by Florent Ibenge, in a tense second leg. This defeat marked the end of San Pedro’s campaign, emphasizing the challenges Ivorian clubs faced in this round.
Djoliba AC of Mali also completed their qualification with a narrow 1-0 victory over ASKO in Lomé, sealing a 2-0 aggregate win.
The decisive goal came from Zoumana Simpara in the 89th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. Earlier in the match, ASKO’s goalkeeper, Sama Mahadiou, kept his team in the game by saving a penalty and making several critical saves, but Djoliba’s defensive strategy and quick counterattacks ultimately proved effective.
With these results, the lineup for the CAF Champions League group stage is now complete, promising exciting matches ahead as Africa’s top clubs compete for continental glory.
Match Results:
| Match | Result | Aggregate Score |
|---|---|---|
| FAR Rabat vs. Al Merreikh | 2-0 | 2-2 |
| Stade d’Abidjan vs. Milo FC | 1-2 | 2-1 |
| San Pedro vs. Al-Hilal | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Djoliba AC vs. ASKO | 1-0 | 2-0 |