In a remarkable display of talent and determination, the Royal Army and Fes from Morocco have successfully secured their places in the group stages of the African competitions. The Royal Army achieved a thrilling victory against the Ivorian side Korhogo, winning 2-1, while Fes returned from their match against ASEC Mimosas with a valuable win, also by 2-1, during the second leg of the preliminary round held on Sunday evening.
Royal Army Secures Qualification Against Korhogo
The Royal Army has advanced to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Korhogo at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match kicked off with an early advantage for the Royal Army as Youssef El Fahli scored a penalty just six minutes in. However, the Ivorian team equalized through their player, Béringé Débi. In a nail-biting finish, Anas Bach managed to net the decisive goal for the Royal Army in the 84th minute, securing their passage to the group stage with an aggregate score of 2-1 after having drawn the first leg in Ivory Coast.
This achievement sees the Royal Army join their compatriots, Raja Casablanca, in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. Raja secured their own qualification by defeating Nigeria's El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in the return leg, following a 2-2 draw in the first match.
Fes Returns to Champions League After 14 Years
On the other hand, Fes celebrated a significant qualification into the group stages of the African Champions League, overcoming ASEC Mimosas with a score of 2-1 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. The match was intensely competitive, but Fes took the lead in the second half with a goal in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on their improved attacking play. The home side responded quickly, with Bakari Kevin equalizing in the 73rd minute, intensifying the contest in the closing stages. Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Khalid Baba struck the winning goal for Fes in the seventh minute of stoppage time, ensuring a precious victory in the heart of Abidjan and confirming their qualification for the next round.
The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw, allowing Fes to progress with an aggregate score of 3-2 over the two matches. This qualification marks a significant return for Fes to the group stage of the African Champions League after a 14-year absence, demonstrating the team's ambition to continue competing on the continental stage and achieve positive results in the upcoming phase.
As reported by hnews.ma.
