Aboucherouane is back in training

Moroccan international Hicham Aboucherouane has returned to training for Raja Casablanca ahead of the Caf Cup tie against Black Rhinos of Zimbabwe.

This effectively ends persistent rumours that he was unhappy with his contract and on the brink of departure.

Aboucherouane, named as the best player of last year's African Champions League when Raja reached the final, is in the squad for Sunday's quarter-final, second leg tie against Rhinos.

The two teams drew 1-1 in Harare two weeks ago and Raja are favourites to win Sunday's home leg and qualify for the semi-finals.

Aboucherouane went on trial last month at English Premiership side Southampton, but his application for a work permit was turned down because of his lack of international caps.

Despite his success at club level, he has been in and out of the Atlas Lions squad in recent months.

Meanwhile, holders JS Kabylie's run of success in the Caf could come to an end on Sunday, when they Cameroon's Cotonsport in the second leg of their quarter-final tie.

The Algerian club, chasing an unprecedented fourth successive title, could only draw 0-0 against the Cameroon league leaders at home a fortnight ago.

But coach Nasser Sandjak believes his struggling side can stay in the competition despite their dramatic loss of form.

Sandjak said: "It's not yet lost for us. We are obliged to take some risks in the match but we will look to profit from any chances we create."

Egypt's Al Ahly, the most successful side in continental club competition, also face a humiliating exit from the competition.

They play Enugu Rangers in Cairo on Sunday after losing the first leg 4-0.

In the other Caf Cup match, Tunisia's Club Africain travel to Lusaka to defend a 4-1 lead against Green Buffaloes of Zambia on Saturday.

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