Santos: The Royal Army did not qualify

Portuguese Alexandre Santos, coach of the Royal Army, confirmed that his team’s victory over RS ​​Berkane with two unanswered goals today, Saturday, in the first leg of the African Champions League semi-final, does not mean clinching the qualification ticket to the final match, stressing the difficulty of facing the second leg.

Santos said that the two teams played a match worthy of the level of Moroccan football on the continent, adding that the atmosphere inside the stadium and the fans who attended strongly contributed to the success of this football evening. The “Al-Asaker” coach praised the performance of his players, considering that they played a good match and succeeded in achieving a positive result despite the strength of the opponent.

The same spokesman explained that what was achieved in Rabat was nothing more than the “first half,” adding that the decision would be in the return match in the city of Berkane, where his team awaits a difficult confrontation against an opponent who has the capabilities to overturn the result. He added: “Just as we scored two goals in our home stadium, RS Berkane can do the same, so we cannot think that qualification has been decided.”

Santos indicated that his team will continue to work with the same seriousness and focus during preparation for the return match, highlighting that respect for the opponent remains the key to dealing with such decisive matches. He also noted the great role played by the fans in supporting the players and motivating them to achieve this victory.

On the other hand, Tunisian Mouin Chaabani, coach of Nahdet Berkane, expressed his regret for the result of the match, considering that it was difficult but did not reflect everything that his team presented on the field. He said that his players were familiar with the Royal Army's playing style, which relies on exploiting half-chances, which was achieved during the match.

Al-Shaabani added that his team tried to reach the net and create some opportunities, but the offensive effectiveness was absent in the decisive moments, stressing that the group presented a good first half despite the tight organization of the opposing team.

Nahdet Berkane coach touched on the absences that the team suffers from, explaining that Haitham Manout was absent for more than six weeks, along with Osama Al-Meliwi, who represents a great value within the group, noting that some positions are difficult to replace easily.

Al-Shaabani stressed that his team is required to bear responsibility during the return match, adding that work will continue to correct mistakes, especially at the level of ending attacks, stressing that “everything is still possible” and that the team will enter the return match with great determination to return to the result.