Caf Confederation Cup wrap: Raja Casablanca, AS Vita, Al-Masry in crucial wins, USM Alger fall

Raja Casablanca scored two precious away goals when they beat CARA Brazzaville 2-1 on Sunday, to take home a healthy lead ahead of Sunday’s second leg.

Second half goals by Soufiane Rahimi and Mahmoud Benhalib handed Raja a huge advantage in their bid to reach the semifinals.

It was another memorable outing for striker Benhalib who now has eight goals since the group stages.

CARA Brazzaville will now pray that Cabwey Kivutuka’s consolation goal will tip them in their gigantic task to overturn the defeat when they go to Casablanca.

If it happens, that would be one of the greatest turnaround tales of the Confederation Cup in recent history because of how intimidating Stade Mohamed V is.

In Kinshasa, AS Vita upstaged Moroccan visitors RSB Berkane 3-1 in an impressive display.

In form Jean-Marc Makusu struck a brace and assisted Djuma Sahabani for Vita’s third goal.

Makusu’s brace, with the goals coming in either half saw his Confederation Cup tally rising to five.

Beating Berkane who have been enjoying a fine run in this tournament was a huge victory for AS Vita who last won a continental title in 1973 when they lifted the Champions League, then known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs.

Berkane are now pinning their hopes on captain Mohammed Aziz’s consolation to carry them through on the away goal’s rule when they host AS Vita on Sunday.

Needing to win by a two-goal margin, Berkane would have to be at their very best against an AS Vita side coached by DR Congo national team trainer Florent Ibenge.

Elsewhere at Port Said Stadium, Palestinian forward Mahmoud Wadi scored the all-important goal that handed Al-Masry victory over USM Alger.

Wadi scored nine minutes into the second half to separate the two sides in this North African derby.

Al-Masry have never won continental silverware and are pressed to emulate their compatriots Al-Ahly and Zamalek who are known for their dominance in Caf inter-club competitions.

USM Alger have also never lifted any crown on the continent, only coming close to win the Caf Champions League title three seasons ago when they finished as runners-up.

Being at home for the return leg at home on Sunday, USM Alger could be feeling confident that they can overturn Al-Masry’s slim lead and reach the semis.