Remo Stars crash out of CAF Champions League

Caretaker August 26, 2024

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Remo Stars Sports Club of Ikenne faced a disappointing exit from the 2024/2025 African Champions League after falling to AS FAR Rabat in the first preliminary round.

Despite their efforts, the Nigerian side was eliminated with a 2-3 aggregate score following a 0-2 defeat in the second leg at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday.

The match marked a tough evening for Remo Stars, who had entered the second leg with a narrow advantage, having secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg played in Ikenne on August 18. However, they were unable to withstand the Moroccan club’s relentless attack during the return fixture.

AS FAR Rabat took control in the second half, with Joel Beya, who also scored in the first leg, opening the scoring in the 53rd minute. The home side continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when they were awarded a penalty. El Amine Zouhzouh calmly converted from the spot, sealing the win for the Moroccan side and ending Remo Stars’ Champions League campaign.

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The loss for Remo Stars adds to the woes for Nigerian clubs in continental competitions this season. On Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri were also knocked out of the African Confederation Cup in the first preliminary round, losing 2-3 on aggregate.

As a result, Nigeria’s representation in continental club competitions has been reduced to just one club in each tournament.

Enyimba International FC of Aba, who received a bye in the first round, will continue in the African Confederation Cup, while Rangers International FC of Enugu advanced to the second preliminary round of the African Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate victory in their opening round.

Remo Stars’ early exit is a setback for Nigerian football, and the club will now have to refocus their efforts on domestic competitions as they look ahead to the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.