Berkane eliminate Al Masry on away goals rule to book semis slot

Viola NANKYA 

Morocco’s RS Berkane needed just a single goal on Sunday to edge out Egyptian side Al Masry on the away goal rule and book a slot in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

Berkane, winners of the tournament in the 2019-20 season had lost the first leg 2-1 in Alexandria last weekend, and the 1-0 victory they picked at home earned them a 2-2 draw and a slight edge, with that single away goal in Egypt.

Youssef El Fahli scored the importany goal for Berkane after just seven minutes of the match, striking a powerful penalty. The home side were given a spot kick after Masry defender Yasser Mohammed handled the ball inside the box as he tried to stop a shot from Chadrack Lukombe.

The home side were buoyed by the early goal and they continued to prod the Masry backline, seeking to get a second goal for comfort.

They came close in the 34th minute with Hamza Regragui finding space for a shot but his stinging effort went off target.

Going to the break 1-0 up, Berkane were relieved but knew they had to do much more in the second half to ensure qualification.

Masry, as expected, came back stronger in the second half, knowing just one goal was enough to hand them ab advantage.

They piled in the pressure with Farid Shawki and Ahmed Ali having neat chances to score, but none of them could land a shot into the net.

Berkane defended with their lives to ensure they kept the slim advantage and sneaked in to the last four for the third time in four seasons.

They will now take on Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the semis.

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