Moroccan club RS Berkane struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 1-0 victory over Al-Hilal on Sunday and book their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 from the first leg, the Moroccan side delivered a decisive blow in the 93rd minute to claim a 2-1 aggregate triumph, ending Al-Hilal’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
The result not only sends Berkane into the last four but also guarantees Morocco a place in the final, with FAR Rabat already through to the semi-finals on the same side of the draw.
Tense battle with everything at stake
Played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, where Al-Hilal are hosting their continental fixtures, the encounter was defined by tension and fine margins from the opening whistle.
Both sides approached the match cautiously, aware that a single moment could decide the outcome, and the first half passed without a breakthrough despite flashes of attacking intent.
Defensive organisation and discipline dominated proceedings, with neither side able to create clear-cut chances before the interval.
VAR drama and missed opportunity
The contest burst into life early in the second half in a sequence that changed the momentum of the match.
Al-Hilal appeared to have taken the lead in the 56th minute when Adama Coulibaly found the net, sparking celebrations among the Sudanese players.
However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out, and the referee instead awarded a penalty to Berkane for an earlier infringement in the build-up.
It was a crucial turning point.
Munir Chouiar stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 61st minute, but his effort was saved, allowing Al-Hilal to stay level and regain confidence as the match progressed.
Hilal push as tension rises
With the tie still in the balance, Al-Hilal grew stronger as the game entered its final stages, knowing that a single goal would send them through.
They pushed forward with increasing urgency, testing Berkane’s defensive structure while attempting to exploit spaces on the counterattack.
At the other end, Berkane remained patient, waiting for their opportunity to strike.
Decisive moment in stoppage time
Just as the match appeared destined for a stalemate, Berkane delivered the decisive moment.
In the 93rd minute, Zinedine Machach provided a precise pass into the penalty area, where Munir Chouiar made amends for his earlier penalty miss by firing a low shot into the net.
The late goal sparked wild celebrations among the Moroccan players, while leaving Al-Hilal stunned after coming so close to progression.
Historic progress for Berkane
The final whistle confirmed Berkane’s place in the semi-finals in what is their first appearance at this stage of the CAF Champions League.
Their victory highlights their resilience and ability to deliver under pressure, particularly after overcoming missed opportunities and VAR drama earlier in the match.
For Al-Hilal, the defeat is a bitter one, having seen a potential winning position slip away in the final moments.
Berkane will now turn their attention to a semi-final clash against compatriots FAR Rabat, with the prospect of an all-Moroccan final now firmly within reach.
In a contest defined by tension, controversy and late drama, it was Berkane who seized their moment — and kept their continental dream alive.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
