The AS Royal Armed Forces of Morocco has defeated rivals RS Berkane 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-final of their CAF Champions League tie.
The last-four clash between the fierce local rivals was keenly contested, with Berkane claiming a 1-0 second leg victory on Saturday night that was not enough to overpower the Royal Castle who rode on their 2-0 first leg win to return to the Champions League final for the first time since 1985, ending 41 years absence.
Berkane stormed out of the blocks with high intensity but were met by a disciplined AS FAR side that held on for a goalless first half. The hosts eventually found the breakthrough on 57 minutes from a penalty awarded for foul on Paul Bassène, and Yassine Lebhiri converted for 1-0.
The reigning Moroccan league champions could not find a second goal to force extra-time, thwarted by crucial saves from goalkeeper Reda Tagnaouti, and they bowed out at the last four stage in their first ever participation in the competition.
AS FAR, on the other hand, will face South Africa’s Mamelodi Snndowns in two-legged final in May.
Sundowns will host the first leg on May 15, with the second leg in Morocco a week later.