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CAF Confederation Cup: New Berkane-USMA clash looms after controversial 2024 semifinal

Friday 21 February 2025 - 11:50 By: Dakir Madiha

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In a significant draw for the CAF Confederation Cup, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) has been matched against ASEC Mimosas from Ivory Coast. The potential semifinal scenario has caught attention, as it could lead to a rematch between RSB and USM Alger (USMA), pending the latter's victory over CS Constantine.

This pairing carries extra weight following last season's controversial semifinal cancellation. USMA had withdrawn from the match due to RSB's jerseys depicting a complete map of Morocco, despite CAF's prior technical approval of the uniform.

The withdrawal proved costly for the Algerian side, resulting in a $40,000 fine under Article 148 of the disciplinary regulations. The penalty reflected both the automatic match forfeit ($20,000) and additional compensation for financial losses incurred by the cancellation of both semifinal matches.

Following USMA's withdrawal, RSB advanced directly to the final against Zamalek. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) subsequently upheld CAF's decision, dismissing appeals from both USMA and the Algerian Football Federation to overturn the ruling.

This potential rematch, should both teams advance, would mark their first encounter since the controversial semifinal, adding an extra layer of significance to the tournament's knockout stages.