USM Algiers withdraw from RS Berkane game in Confederation Cup semi-final

Mahmoud Elassal , Sunday 28 Apr 2024

Morocco’s RS Berkane have secured their spot in the African Confederation Cup final after the second leg of their semi-final clash against Algeria's USMA was called off for the second time in a week.

RS Berkane

 

Despite USMA's presence at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, the players didn't leave their dressing room then the team headed back to their bus and left the stadium.

​The first leg of the semi-final encounter between RS Berkane and Algerian rivals USM Alger had already encountered complications.

The match was canceled due to a dispute over the playing jerseys in Algeria, resulting in RS Berkane being awarded a 3-0 victory.

The controversy arose when the Moroccan team arrived in Algeria prior to the initial leg of the tie.

Customs officers seized Berkane's jerseys due to the inclusion of a map of Morocco that depicted the disputed Western Sahara.

The disputed Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is predominantly under Moroccan control but is claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which advocates for the territory's independence.

The issue has long fueled tensions between the neighboring nations of Algeria and Morocco.

RS Berkane now look forward to hosting Zamalek in the first leg of the secondary continental tournament on 12 May. The return leg will take place in Cairo on 19 May.

Zamalek secured their spot in the final by defeating Ghana's Dreams FC with a resounding 3-0 victory on aggregate in the semi-finals.

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