CAF CL: Remo Stars repeat unwanted Champions League history, bow to AS FAR

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

For the third season running, Remo Stars have exited the CAF Inter Club competitions at the first hurdle following a 2-0 loss to AS FAR FC in the return leg of the CAF Champions League Preliminary Round.

In the first leg, held in Ikenne, Remo Stars had secured a 2-1 victory. However, AS FAR FC turned the tie around in the second leg at the Molal Al-Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with Joel Beya breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute, and Amine Zouhzouh adding a second from a penalty in the 80th minute.

AS FAR FC advanced with a 3-2 aggregate win and will progress to the second Preliminary Round. This marks the second time in three years that AS FAR FC has eliminated Remo Stars from continental competition, having previously done so with a 2-1 aggregate win in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Nigeria’s hopes of maintaining their four continental slots now rest with Rangers International in the CAF Champions League. Enyimba FC will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup from the second Preliminary Round.

Both teams need to advance to the group stage to secure Nigeria’s four continental slots for next season. If they fail to do so, Nigeria’s continental slots could be reduced from four to two.