RS Berkane scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a 1–1 draw against Sudanese side Al Hilal Omdurman, in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final encounter, at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane, Morocco.
Al Hilal made the brighter start and stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 13th minute. Sudan international Abdelraziq Omer finished off a well-worked attacking move.
The goal forced the Moroccan side to respond quickly, and Berkane began to increase the tempo as they attempted to break down the visitors’ disciplined defensive structure.
Despite their growing pressure, the hosts struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities during the first half.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Berkane pushing forward in search of an equaliser while Al Hilal remained compact and dangerous on the counterattack.
The match then took a dramatic turn in stoppage time when Berkane appealed for a penalty following a challenge on substitute Hamza Moussaoui inside the penalty area.
The referee awarded a penalty after a VAR review and also issued a red card to Al Hilal defender Steve Ebola for the foul. Munir Chouiar then calmly converted the penalty deep into stoppage time to level the scores.
His goal, scored in the 90+9th minute, sparked celebrations among the home supporters and ensured the Moroccan club would travel into the return leg with their hopes of qualification intact.
For Al Hilal, the late concession will be a frustrating outcome after they had defended resolutely for most of the match and looked on course to secure an important away victory.
However, the draw ensures that the second leg will be decisive when the two sides meet again next week, with Al Hilal expected to host the match at a neutral venue.
The winner of the quarter-final will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face the victorious side from the tie between Pyramids FC and Morocco’s AS FAR.
With both teams still firmly in contention, the stage is not for a dramatic conclusion to what has already proven to be a fiercely competitive Champions League quarter-final.