CAFCC: Kwara United lose, crash out to RS Berkane

Nigeria’s lone representative at the CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United, suffered a painful exit on away goals at the hands of reigning champions RS Berkane following a 3-3 aggregate draw between the sides.

After impressing in the first leg when they won 3-1 in Lagos, Kwara United were hopeful of masterminding a huge upset against their Moroccan opponents. They faced a different Berkane side, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat on the night.

The visitors struggled to find any sort of rhythm early on, and soon found themselves a goal down away from home.

A pass-cum-cross from put wide was headed across goal by towering Burkinabe defender Issoufou Dayo, leaving Djibril Ouattara with the simplest task of tapping home from close range in the 17th minute.

The home side continued to dominate proceedings, and Kwara United were struggling to string together passes in the middle of the park as the half came to an end.

Berkane finally put the game to bed after only 54 minutes following a horrible gaffe from the Harmony Boys’ goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka. The former Akwa United safe hands rushed off his line and flapped at a corner, missing the ball completely. Charki Elbahri headed a looping effort towards goal, and three Kwara United defenders failed to sort out their feet on the line as the ball found its way to the back of the net.

RS Berkane held on for the win, booking their place in the group stage of the competition they won last season. The Nigerian side, on the other hand, have seen their continental adventures come to an abrupt end. Like Plateau United earlier in the day, Kwara United have faced elimination on away goals.