CAFCC: RS Berkane dominate CS Constantine to put one foot into the final

CAF Confederation Cup favorites RS Berkane are in excellent position to advance to the final following Sunday's 3-0 first leg semifinal victory over Algerian club CS Constantine.

The Orange Boys jumped on the opposition immediately at the Berkane Municipal Stadium as it took less than fifteen seconds for last season's Confederation Cup finalists to score. Youssef Mehri pounced to control a loose ball in the penalty area before firing low past stunned CSC goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.

The Moroccan club champions did not let up on their Algerian opponents. A well worked short corner created room for Ayoub Khairi to cross for Paul Bassene. The Senegalese forward produced a perfect header to double RSB's advantage with only 22 minutes gone.

CSC failed to produce a shot attempt on the Berkane goal in the first half and it was a similar story after the interval. RSB leading scorer Oussama Lamlioui got in on the fun with a finish from close range to complete an excellent team movement in the 55th minute.

After having a potential second goal disallowed due to offsides, Lamlioui did add a final blow close to full time when RSB punished careless passing in the back from the CSC defense. The difference between the two sides was clear and Berkane certainly have one foot in the final even with a trip to Algeria ahead for the second leg.

The two teams will meet again in Constantine next Sunday (17:00 GMT).