Remo Stars, the ambitious Nigerian football club, have arrived in Rabat, Morocco, to prepare for their upcoming clash against AS FAR. Scheduled for Sunday night, this encounter is more than just a fixture; it's an opportunity for Remo Stars to achieve what many of their Nigerian predecessors could not: a victory over the formidable Moroccan side.
The Nigerian team carries a slim but crucial goal advantage into this match. The challenge before them is significant, as Nigerian clubs have historically struggled against AS FAR. In the past, only Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now known as Heartland, has managed to overcome this hurdle. Their triumph came in the semi-finals of the 1988 edition of the African Champions League, where they prevailed 5-3 on penalties after an aggregate score of 4-4.
Iwuanyanwu Nationale's success didn't end there. In the 2009 Champions League, they once again faced AS FAR and emerged victorious. They secured a 3-1 win in the first leg at home and managed a 1-1 draw in Rabat, advancing to the next round.
However, other Nigerian teams have found the task much more daunting. In the 1968 edition, AS FAR eliminated Stationery Stores in a dramatic quarter-final showdown that required three legs. Stationery Stores won the first leg 1-0 in Lagos, but AS FAR reversed the result in Rabat with a 2-1 victory. The deciding match took place in Dakar, Senegal, where the game ended 2-2 after extra time. AS FAR eventually advanced by drawing lots.
The 1999 African Winners' Cup saw Wikki Tourists face AS FAR in the quarter-finals, only to be eliminated with a 3-0 aggregate loss. Similarly, in the 2005 Confederation Cup, AS FAR proved too strong for Dolphin of Port Harcourt and Enugu Rangers. Dolphin lost 3-1 on aggregate in the final, while Rangers were ousted on away goals after a 2-2 draw in the play-off stage.
With this history in mind, Remo Stars' mission is clear: to rewrite the narrative and achieve what previous Nigerian teams have struggled to do. Their immediate goal is to avoid defeat and keep a clean sheet to maintain their slim advantage.
As the team prepares for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on their performance. A solid defensive showing and a strategic approach could pave the way for Remo Stars to make a significant mark in this competition and challenge the historical patterns set by their predecessors.
0 Comments