RSB look to defend top spot

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Feb 21, 2019. 12:00

RS Berkane will look to defend top spot in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup when they face hosts Raja Casablanca at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, kick-off at 18h00 CAT.

Berkane come into the Moroccan derby on the back of a win over another compatriot team: they defeated Hassania Agadir 2-1 at their Municipal Stadium on February 13.

Agadir led through Ayoub El Mallouki, but the Oranges struck back through Alain Traore and Issoufou Dayo to claim the first win in the group.

Raja, meanwhile, were held to a disappointing goalless stalemate at home to Congo side AS Otoho – the Green Eagles will feel they failed to capitalise on their chances.

RSB lead the group on four points, with Raja in second on two points (tied with Otoho). Agadir complete the standings with one point.

Raja and Berkane have met in 13 matches across all competitions since 2012. The Green Eagles boast three wins compared to one for the Oranges, while no less than nine games have ended in draws.

That includes the teams’ most recent meeting in the Moroccan top flight league, a 1-1 draw in Casablanca in late December 2018.

This will be the first of a double-header between Raja and RSB, with the return game set for the Municipal Stadium in Berkane on March 3.

The other Group A match on Sunday sees Hassania Agadir host AS Otoho, with kick-off at 21h00 CAT