Maghreb Fez vs Rahimo CAF Champions League Preview
Maghreb Fez of Morocco host Burkina Faso’s Rahimo in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier.
The hosts will be counting on their recent home record and should claim the upper hand over the visitors, who often struggle in this competition.
Key Stats
- Maghreb Fez are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.
- Maghreb Fez have won three of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Rahimo have failed to win their last four CAF Champions League away matches.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Maghreb Fez and Rahimo at this level.
Maghreb Fez back Among the Elites
Maghreb Fez are making only their second appearance in the CAF Champions League, with their first coming back in 2012. They failed to progress beyond the second qualifying round and will be looking to improve on that record this time around.
The Moroccans were surprise champions of the Botola Pro last season and will be full of confidence heading into this clash. Manager Rui Almeida will be hoping there is no match rustiness in the team, having not been in competitive action since July.
Regardless of the lack of competitive action, Maghreb Fez’s overall form has been solid, having gone unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions. They have also won three of their last four home matches in all competitions, claiming a 2-0 victory over Dcheira in their previous fixture.
Rahimo’s Champions League Blues
Rahimo have more appearances in the CAF Champions League than the hosts, having played in three previous editions. They progressed to the second qualifying round last season, suffering a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Esperance de Tunis.
Mamadou Yantema’s team may have more appearances in the Champions League but often struggle to make an impact. They have picked up just one victory in eight previous matches and have failed to win their last four away fixtures in the competition.
Like the hosts, Rahimo may be lacking match sharpness, having not had competitive action since winning the Burkinabe Premier League in May. However, their overall form is solid as they are unbeaten in their last five matches, playing out a 0-0 draw with Vitesse in their last fixture.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Maghreb Fez (4-3-3): Salaheddine Chihab; Hamza Ait Allal, Aymen Chabani, Adil Rhaili, Marouane Ouhrou; Achraf Harmach, Oussama Noureddine, Anas Tahiri; Adam Brika, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Christopher Ibayi.
Maghreb Fez have no injuries or suspensions heading into this clash. Chabani and Rhaili are expected to partner in central defence while Noureddine should feature in midfield, with Brika set to start in attack.
Rahimo (4-3-3): Moussa Traore; Alegbeh Halikou, Alassane Coulibaly, Junior Queddi Nora, Cheik Sanogo; Benjamin Guilavogui, Yacouba Toumagnon, Abdul Karim Kote; Djamiou Famah, Cheik Camara, Adama Konate.
Famah is likely to lead the line for Rahimo on Saturday, with Camara and Konate providing support. Toumagnon should start in midfield while Coulibaly is expected to feature in the heart of the defence.