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Rabat • April 12, 2026 • 2 min read

Santos Cautions Against Premature Celebration After Rabat Victory, Al-Shabani Analyzes Defeat

Le Maroc 360
Le Maroc 360 Staff Writer
Santos Cautions Against Premature Celebration After Rabat Victory, Al-Shabani Analyzes Defeat

Santos Cautions Against Premature Celebration After Rabat Victory

Following a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Renaissance Berkane in the first leg of the African Champions League semi-finals, Royal Army coach Alexandre Santos urged caution, stressing that the tie is far from over. Despite the favorable outcome at Rabat Stadium, Santos emphasized that the real challenge lies ahead in the return leg. He praised the resilience and performance of his players, acknowledging the significant advantage they have gained against a well-experienced opponent. The match not only showcased the strength of Moroccan football but also highlighted the passionate support from the fans, which Santos credited as a vital element in their success.

Al-Shabani Analyzes Defeat and Looks Ahead

On the other side of the pitch, Renaissance Berkane's coach, Moïne Chaabani, expressed disappointment regarding the outcome, labeling it as "harsh" and not a true reflection of his team's efforts. Chaabani pointed out that despite their lack of offensive effectiveness at crucial moments, his players demonstrated good control against a disciplined defense. The absence of key players was a notable factor affecting their performance, as their replacements struggled to fill the void. Nevertheless, Chaabani remains optimistic, asserting that the tie is still open and promising a more effective strategy for the return leg against the Royal Army. He underscored the belief that qualification remains attainable and that the upcoming match will reveal a more formidable Berkane side.

As reported by goal.com.

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Le Maroc 360

Journalist and contributing editor at Lemaroc360 covering breaking news, Moroccan society, and international developments.