Morocco’s Club Renaissance Sparks a New African Continent-Wide Dream

Morocco’s Clubs Spark a New African Campaign

All Moroccan clubs are on a successful path in Africa's two major cups, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, as if answering calls from Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, who recently voiced frustration in TV interviews after welcoming the under-20 World Cup champions from Chile and noting a slide in results for Moroccan sides, with the exception of Berkane, the Confederation Cup titleholder.

Group-Stage Push and a Moroccan Dream

Three Moroccan clubs qualified for the group stage while Berkane closed in on the mission after a valuable 1-1 draw with Al Ahly Tripoli in Libya, with the return leg at home looming this week.

Lekjaa recalled past successes and said he hopes that momentum translates into Moroccan clubs standing among the world elite. He stressed that all resources are available to the clubs, financially and logistically, and that this season's aim is to win both continental trophies and to stage another all-Moroccan Super Cup, as Berkane did against Wydad three years ago.

KOOORA traces the successful march of Moroccan clubs chasing full group-stage representation. The Army team speaks with clear intent; after ousting Horoya and reaching the group stage for a third straight time, the coach said they aim to surpass last season's quarterfinal exit to Pyramids, a comeback that almost made the semi-final a reality. The club's officials renewed confidence in Santos for a second season, meeting his transfer requests and signing key players, notably re-signing Rida Slim from Al Ahly on loan. A champions' title remains the top objective for the club, which was the first to lift the competition for Moroccan football in 1985 with its golden generation.

The arrival of Hakim Ziyech signals renewed ambition and league strength as Wydad looks to redefine its continental status; the club’s signings and robust fan support heighten expectations for a deep run in the Confederation Cup.

Berkan, with the aura of a champion, is closing in on its target, having drawn 1-1 in Libya, needing only a goalless result at home to clinch group-stage passage. Berkane’s ten-year continental track record, with nine years in the Confederation Cup and three titles, is augmented by homegrown stars like Osama Al-Maloui and Tunisian coach Moein El-Chabani, who has coached at Esperance and brings a wealth of continental knowledge.

And Berkane will need a goalless draw on its home turf to advance, boasting over 50 African matches on its own soil without a loss, a stat it intends to turn into a tough number for opponents to crack.

Wydad, historically tied to the Champions League in the last decade—two titles and two runner-ups—also represented Moroccan football at the Club World Cup in the Americas. It has roared into the group stage of the Confederation Cup after a 6-0 aggregate win over Ashanti Gold, aided by the marquee signing of Hakim Ziyech and strong domestic support, making it a favorite for the trophy.

Olympique Safi produced a surprise by reaching the group stage for the first time in its history, eliminating the Tunisian side on Rades Stadium despite a 2-1 second-leg loss, thanks to a two-goal cushion from the first leg. Safi’s home strength and domestic momentum continue to fuel Morocco’s continental surge.

Safis’ fearless style appears to be infectious; they thrive at home and the current wave of Moroccan football progress suggests continued growth at the club level across Africa.