Morocco’s RS Berkane and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns booked their places in the CAF Champions League semi-finals on Sunday, albeit under dramatically contrasting circumstances.
Berkane Edge Past Al Hilal in Dramatic Finish
RS Berkane secured a 1-0 victory over Sudan’s Al Hilal, courtesy of a stoppage-time strike by Mounir Chouiar in Kigali. The decisive moment came in the 93rd minute when Chouiar finished off a well-worked move following a free-kick.
The goal proved crucial, sealing a 2-1 aggregate win for the Moroccan side, who are making their debut in Africa’s premier club competition.
Chouiar’s contribution across both legs was pivotal. After missing a penalty in the return leg, he redeemed himself with the winner, having also converted a dramatic 99th-minute penalty in the first leg to secure a 1-1 draw.
Al Hilal, forced to host matches in Rwanda due to ongoing conflict in Sudan, came close to equalising, with substitute Ousmane Diouf striking the post in the second half. A goal by Adama Coulibaly was also ruled out earlier in the match.
Sundowns Progress Despite Defeat in Bamako
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the semi-finals despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in Bamako under intense 38°C conditions.
The South African champions conceded within 45 seconds of kickoff, with Taddeus Nkeng heading in his sixth goal of the tournament. A second goal followed just before halftime, as Haman Mandjan capitalised on a rebound.
Sundowns’ challenge was compounded when defender Aubrey Modiba was sent off in the 77th minute, reducing the team to 10 men.
Despite the pressure, Sundowns held firm to protect their 3-0 first-leg advantage, progressing 3-2 on aggregate.
Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
Sundowns will now face Tunisia’s Esperance, who produced a major upset by eliminating record 12-time champions Al Ahly with a 3-2 second-leg victory in Cairo, advancing after winning the first leg 1-0.
In the other semi-final, RS Berkane will meet Moroccan rivals FAR Rabat, who stunned defending champions Pyramids FC with a 2-1 win in Cairo after drawing the first leg.
High Stakes Ahead
The semi-finals, scheduled for April, promise high-intensity clashes as Africa’s top clubs battle for continental supremacy.
For Berkane, the journey marks a historic run in their debut Champions League campaign. For Sundowns, resilience under pressure has kept their title ambitions alive as they chase continental glory once again.
