Berkane-Hassania derby clash to decide CCC final spot

RS Berkane will lock horns with Hassania Agadir in the 2019/20 CAF Confederation Cup semifinal match at Mohamed V Stadium in Moccoco on Monday.

Kick-off is at 9 pm CAT.

The Oranges are looking to reach the Confederation Cup final for the second year running having finished as runners-up in the 2018/19 season after losing to Egypt's Zamalek.

Berkane secured their place in the knockout phase after winning Group C, before defeating Egyptian side Al Masry in the quarterfinals in March 2020.

Issoufou Dayo, the Berkane defender, is keen to help the Moroccan club clinch its maiden Confederation Cup title this year.

"We have a wonderful group of players and a well-structured club. The last two years have given us enough experience in the CAF Confederation Cup,” Dayo told CAF's official website.

"We will fight this year to win the CAF Confederation Cup. There is better way to rewarding our fans for their loyalty and support, and to bring honour to the city of Berkane.”

Meanwhile, Hassania are hoping to reach the Confederation Cup final for the first time in the club's history.

The Gazelle de Sousse booked their place in the knockout phase after winning Group D and they eliminated Libyan club Al Nasr in the quarterfinals seven months ago.

The Moroccan outfit has confirmed that seven players have tested positive for the coronavirus namely; Rami Yassine, Ech-Chammakh Jamal, El Khanboubi Abdelaali, Asmoun Abdallah, Ait Mohamed Karim, Lirki Abdelhafid and Qamoum Ismail.

Hassania will contact CAF's Organising Committee for Interclub Competitions regarding the possibility of postponing of their clash with Berkane.

"The Organising Committee for Interclub Competitions and the Management of the Licensing System has decided that in the event that the number of positively tested players exceeds five, the case will be referred to the relevant committee to take the necessary decision."

"Our club will therefore submit, from Sunday, October 18, 2020, a request to the said commission so that our case is urgently discussed," a club statement read.

The previous competitive encounter between Berkane and Hassania ended in a 1-1 draw in a Moroccan Botola League match in February 2020.