AS FAR Rabat has officially ended a 41-year wait. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to RS Berkane on Saturday night, the “Military Club” secured their place in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final with a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate victory.
It was a night of high tension at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane, where defensive discipline and a crucial first-leg cushion proved to be the difference between heartbreak and history.
High stakes and defensive discipline
Entering the second leg with a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg in Rabat, AS FAR knew that a disciplined defensive performance would be their ticket to the final. RS Berkane, backed by a raucous home crowd, dominated possession for large spells, searching for the early goal that would ignite a comeback.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 57th minute when a VAR review confirmed a foul on Paul Bassene. Yassine Labhiri stepped up to the penalty spot and converted with ice-cold composure, sending the home fans into a frenzy and leaving Berkane just one goal away from forcing extra time.
Weathering the storm
For the final thirty minutes, AS FAR's compact and disciplined philosophy was put to the ultimate test. Led by a resilient backline that has been the backbone of their campaign, the visitors absorbed wave after wave of pressure. Berkane threw everything forward, but the second goal remained elusive.
While the night belonged to Berkane in terms of the scoreline, the tie was truly won a week prior at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. Goals from Ahmed Hammoudan and Khalid Ait Ouarkhane in the first leg provided the essential safety net that allowed AS FAR to navigate the hostile atmosphere of the return leg and secure their aggregate win.
Ending a decades-long wait
This victory marks AS FAR's first appearance in a CAF Champions League final since 1985, a year that remains legendary in the club's history as the last time they sat on the African throne.
The road ahead doesn't get any easier, as AS FAR will face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. Sundowns advanced on Saturday afternoon after eliminating Esperance de Tunis with a 2-0 aggregate score.
A historic continental clash
With both teams seeking their second continental title, the upcoming final promises to be a historic clash between two of Africa's most consistent and tactically astute sides. For the fans in Rabat, the dream of 1985 is more alive than ever.