CAF Confederation Cup: RS Berkane awarded 3-0 win after refusing to play

Moroccan side Renaissance Berkane have been awarded a 3-0 win over USM Alger in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, despite the match not taking place.

The decision comes after Algerian customs officials seized Berkane’s kit, featuring an extended map of Morocco that includes the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Algeria deemed the map as a political provocation, leading to the confiscation of the kit upon Berkane’s arrival in the country.

Consequently, Berkane refused to play the match, resulting in its cancellation.

While USM Alger took to the field, Berkane remained in their dressing room.

With this decision, Berkane now holds a significant advantage over their opponents, and if they maintain the lead, they will face either Zamalek or Dreams FC in the final.

The CAF Football’s interclub competitions committee has awarded the victory to Berkane and referred the case to a disciplinary commission for potential additional sanctions.

Regarding the decision, a CAF spokesperson clarified that it was handled by competent and independent structures within the governing body, with no involvement from administrative or leadership levels.

The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled to take place in Berkane on Sunday, while the other semi-final encounter between Dreams FC and Zamalek also comes off on the same date.

Legon Cities coach Paa Kwesi Fabin is pleased with the job done by Dreams FC in the CAF Confederation Cup this season.

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh)

Dreams FC held the 2019 champions at the Cairo International Stadium to a goalless draw and are hoping to capitalise on home advantage as they host the Egyptian giants in Kumasi at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Zamalek has arrived in Kumasi for the game against Dreams FC

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh)

For Dreams FC, they are hoping to make history as the first Ghanaian side to reach the final of the CAF Confederation Cup since 2004 when Hearts of Oak and Kotoko made it to an all-Ghana final.