Rabat, August 21, 2023 – Moroccan club FUS Rabat demonstrated their prowess in a dominating 3-0 home victory against Benin’s AS Loto during the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash on Sunday.
From the outset at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the hosts applied unrelenting pressure, capitalizing on Loto’s defensive vulnerability. A pivotal moment came when Loto’s Ibrahim Imray inadvertently netted an own goal under intense pressure, propelling FUS Rabat into an early lead.
Displaying remarkable organization in defense, FUS Rabat stifled Loto’s attempts to create scoring opportunities. The hosts continued to assert their dominance, adding to their lead in the 27th minute, leaving Loto trailing 2-0 at halftime.
The second half brought its own share of drama. FUS Rabat was awarded a penalty, but Loto’s goalkeeper thwarted Hamza Hanuri’s attempt, keeping hopes alive for the visiting side. Nevertheless, FUS Rabat persevered, with substitute Shuaib Maftoul sealing the deal with a goal during stoppage time, securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The commanding performance in the first leg provides FUS Rabat with a substantial advantage as they head into the return fixture in Benin next weekend. With their eyes set on the play-off round, the Moroccan club will aim to build upon their current lead and secure a spot in the next stage of the competition.
In the wider scope of Sunday’s matches, Ethiopian club Bahir Dar Kenema triumphed with a 2-1 home win over Tanzanian outfit Azam FC. Libyan club Abu Salem managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Olympique Beja in a closely contested match at Stade Boujemaa-Kmiti in Tunisia.
Elsewhere, Liberia’s Watanga FC suffered a 3-1 defeat on home turf against Malian counterparts Stade Malien. Togolese club Etoile Filante held Senegal’s Casa Sport to a 1-1 draw, leaving the outcome of their tie delicately balanced.
In a late comeback, Angolan team Academica Lobito overcame Seychelles’ La Passe FC with a 2-1 victory. As the dust settles on the first leg results, some teams enjoy advantageous positions while others are tasked with overcoming significant challenges to keep their Confederation Cup aspirations alive.
The anticipation heightens as the second leg matches loom on the horizon, scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Teams that emerge victorious on aggregate will earn a coveted place in the play-off round, taking one step closer to etching their names in the annals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup history.
