Remo Stars 2-1 AS FAR: Sky Blue Stars take slim lead to Rabat in Champions League

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigerian side Remo Stars pipped AS FAR FC (Morocco) 2-1 in the first leg of the Preliminary Round of the CAF Champions League at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State on Sunday.

Coach Daniel Ogunmodede started the encounter with Adebiyi Obassa, Ahmed Akinyele, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismail, Jide Fatokun, Oluwaseun Ogunribide, Olamilekan Adedayo, Michael Tochukwu, Franck Mawuena, and Sikiru Alimi.

For the Moroccan side, Benabid El Mehdi, Carneiro Augusto, Inonga Baka, Nakach Akram, Boukheriss Ettayb, Naji Larbi, Zouhzouh El Amine, Hammoudan Ahmed, Boussefiane Hicham, Beya Joel, and Hrimat Mohamed Rabie got starters shirt.

The visitors had the first chance of the encounter as Rabie’s header went wide in the sixth minute.

Remo Stars skipper, Junior scored the opener with a header from Ismail’s cross.

In the 35th minute, Obassa saved a one-on-one chance by Ahmed.

El Amine’s attempt at the edge of the box went wide in the 38th minute as Ogunmodede’s side had a slim lead into the halftime break.

Five minutes after the restart, AS FAR FC restored parity through Joel Beya’s header.

Junior returned the favour to Ismail, who headed his side back in front in the 68th minute.

The game was a repeat of the CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round two seasons ago, where AS FAR FC secured a 2-1 aggregate win over Remo Stars.

The Sky Blue Stars will take a 2-1 lead to the return leg in Rabat next weekend.