In a bizarre twist, Moroccan club, Renaissance Berkane have been awarded a 3-0 win over USM Alger in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final despite refusing to play, following the confiscation of their kits by Algerian customs.
The Moroccan side intended to wear a shirt with an extended map of Morocco that included the disputed Western Sahara territory which Algeria deemed as a political jibe and subsequently seized the kits.
The hosts had taken to the field in preparation for kick off only to discover their opponents remained in their dressing room. After several minutes, the match was aborted by the officials.
Tellingly, since the start of the continental competition, Berkane have worn the same jersey design as well as a similar design from previous continental campaigns
The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Interclub Competitions Committee however, awarded a win to Berkane and referred the case to a disciplinary commission for possible additional penalties.
The second leg of the semi-final scheduled to be played in Berkane on Sunday.
USM Alger are the defending champions of the Confederation Cup with Berkane being the penultimate champions.