Trailing since the 31st minute, Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas salvaged a 1-1 draw away to MAS Fez thanks to Souhalio Bamba, who scored in stoppage time in the first leg at Meknès.
At the Stade d’Honneur in Meknès, ASEC Mimosas conceded the opening goal in the 31st minute, through a strike from MAS Fez player Aymene Chabani. The Abidjan side drew level in stoppage time thanks to forward Souhalio Bamba (90+1).
This 1-1 draw, played in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, puts ASEC’s men in a favourable position ahead of the return leg. According to Supersport CI, the Ivorian club go into the home game on Sunday 25 October 2026 in Abidjan with the advantage of an away goal.
Chabani opens, Bamba responds
The script long leaned one way only. As early as the 31st minute, Aymene Chabani found the breakthrough for MAS Fez, who took the lead on their own pitch, reports Foot-Africa.com. Devin Titus, a MAS Fez player, was among the Moroccan starters, according to SoccerBeat.
It took until stoppage time for ASEC to hit back. Souhalio Bamba, the Ivorian forward, equalised in the 90+1st minute. According to Foot Africa and Supersport CI, that goal changes everything ahead of the return leg.
The end of the match was nonetheless marred by tensions: scuffles broke out after the final whistle at the Stade de Meknès, as reported by KoraMaroc and Foot-Africa.com.
ASC Kara already seen off
This trip comes after a first hurdle cleared by the Mimosas. In the previous round, ASEC booked their place by eliminating Togo’s ASC Kara, Foot-Africa.com indicates, as also cited by Flashscore.
The Abidjan club therefore continue their run in CAF’s most prestigious interclub competition. According to Foot-Africa.com, this clash with the Moroccans marks a turning point in the race for the group stage.
Everything still to play for in Abidjan
Souhalio Bamba’s goal settles nothing: ASEC Mimosas are not yet qualified and will have to confirm it in the return leg, scheduled for Sunday 25 October 2026 in Abidjan, according to Supersport CI. The away goal nonetheless gives the Ivorians a favourable position.
According to Supersport CI, MAS Fez must score and win in Abidjan to keep alive their hopes of reaching the group stage.