FAR Rabat Secures Historic CAF Champions League Final Berth
FAR Rabat have booked their first ever appearance in the CAF Champions League final after a 2‑1 aggregate victory over RS Berkane. Despite a 1‑0 loss in the second leg played in Berkane on Saturday, the Moroccan side’s 2‑0 win from the first leg proved decisive.
How the Tie unfolded
The first leg, held at Stade Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, ended 2‑0 in favour of the visitors. Goals came from Yassine Lebhiri (penalty, 34′) and a late strike by Ahmed Tagnaouti’s defensive clearance that was turned into an own‑goal by Berkane’s defender.
In the return leg, Berkane entered the match knowing they needed at least a two‑goal overturn. The home side started strongly, creating several early chances. Nolan Mbemba forced a shot over the bar in the 21st minute, and the pressure continued into the second half.
A pivotal moment arrived in the 57th minute when Paul Valère Bassène was fouled inside the box. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Yassine Lebhiri converted to make it 1‑0 on the night. Although the goal gave Berkane hope, it was insufficient to erase the two‑goal deficit from the first leg.
Key Performances
- Yassine Lebhiri – Scored the decisive penalty in the first leg and added the second‑leg spot‑kick, becoming the first player to score in both legs of the tie for FAR Rabat.
- Ahmed Tagnaouti – The goalkeeper made five saves in the second leg, preserving the aggregate lead and earning praise from CAF’s technical study group for his command of the box.
- Defensive unit – FAR Rabat conceded only one goal across both legs, showcasing a disciplined back line that limited Berkane’s attacking threats despite the hosts dominating possession (58% in the second leg).
Historical Context
FAR Rabat’s achievement marks a milestone for Moroccan football. The club previously lifted the African Champions Cup in the 1984‑85 season, but had never reached the final of the rebranded CAF Champions League. With this qualification, FAR Rabat becomes the third Moroccan side to contest the final, joining Raja Casablanca (winners in 1989, 1997, 1999) and Wydad Casablanca (winners in 2017, 2018, 2022).
Their path to the final also underscores the growing competitiveness of Moroccan clubs on the continental stage, a trend highlighted by the Confederation of African Football’s 2024 club‑ranking report, which placed three Moroccan teams in the top ten.
Road to the Final: Mamelodi Sundowns Await
FAR Rabat will now face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. Sundowns booked their spot with a 2‑0 aggregate win over Espérance Sportive de Tunis, securing a 1‑0 victory in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The Sundowns, champions in 2016, bring a blend of experienced internationals and youthful talent, setting up a compelling clash of styles.
The final is scheduled for 1 June 2025 at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, a venue that has hosted several CAF Champions League deciders in recent years.
Looking Ahead
For FAR Rabat, the final represents more than a trophy chase; it is an opportunity to cement the club’s legacy and inspire the next generation of Moroccan footballers. As noted by CAF’s head of competitions, Veron Mosengo‑Omba, “The rise of clubs like FAR Rabat shows the depth of talent across Africa and the increasing competitiveness of our premier club competition.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the Rabat side can turn their historic semi‑final breakthrough into continental glory.
