Renaissance Berkane head coach Mouine Chaabani has expressed confidence that his side can secure a positive outcome when they take on Nigeria’s Rivers United in their second Group Stage match of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League on Friday.

The Moroccan champions began their campaign in dominant fashion with a 3-0 win over Zambia’s Power Dynamos, and they now head to Uyo full of belief as they prepare to face a Rivers United team still reeling from a 3-0 defeat to Pyramids in Egypt.

Speaking from Morocco, Chaabani praised his team’s opening performance and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.

“We will travel to Nigeria to face Rivers United with the aim of returning with a positive result, and we hope that it will be an away victory,” he said.
“We know it won’t be an easy match, and our goal is to reach the furthest possible point in the CAF Champions League.”

Chaabani also provided injury updates, revealing that key players Murabit and Mehri both experienced minor discomfort during the first game but are not considered major doubts.

“Murabit felt some knee discomfort after 15 minutes, but it’s not serious. The same goes for Mehri — his injury is not worrying, and we will consult the medical staff,” he added.

RS Berkane departed Morocco on Wednesday morning, flying from Oujda Angad Airport to Lagos before heading to Uyo for Friday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Senegalese referee Issa Sy has been appointed by CAF to officiate the match.

Rivers United, desperate to recover from their opening defeat, will look to energise their home crowd and revive their qualification hopes, while Berkane aim to build on their strong start and solidify their position in