The fifth day of the group stage of the CAF Champions League continued this Saturday. In the evening, Morocco witnessed a heated classico between AS FAR Rabat and Raja Casablanca, which almost sealed two opposing destinies.
In a decisive match of the African Champions LeagueAS FAR Rabat and Raja Casablanca were neck and neck until the end. In a clasico with an electric atmosphere in Meknes, the final result only suited the Rabatis. The opening score came in the 40th minute, when Anas Zniti, Raja’s goalkeeper, made a glaring error, failing to catch the ball and sending it into his net. Scorer against his camp, Youssef Belammari had slipped just before and let the ball slip towards his goalkeeper.
This situation put the FAR in a favorable position, allowing them to take the advantage before the break. In the second half, the Raja reacted with determination. Mohamed Zrida fell in the area, giving the Eagles a penalty. Emam Zerhouni equalized in the 77th minute by converting it with a fine left-footed shot, thus catching the FAR goalkeeper on the wrong foot.
However, despite several chances to take the lead, Raja failed to score again. Until the controversial action of the day: the Casablanca club thought it overturned the match ten minutes from time. But the goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati suffered a foul and the goal was refused by the referee.
AS FAR qualified, Raja in a desperate situation
This draw has significant consequences for both teams. For AS FAR Rabat, this result allows them to consolidate their first place in the group with 9 points in 5 matches, thus ensuring their qualification for the quarter-finals, where they join Al Hilal and FC Pyramids among the qualified. The Rabat club will most likely be the only one to represent the Morocco in the rest of the competition, because Raja is now in an uncomfortable situation. Qualifying would be synonymous with a miracle. The Eagles are third with only 4 points, and will absolutely have to win against AS Maniema on the last day next weekend, and wait for a huge misstep from Mamelodi Sundowns against AS FAR.
After the two teams faced each other twice during these group stages, the tie was complete with a victory on the lowest score for each side. It is therefore the goal difference that counts. Only three small goals separate the Prétoria club (+1) from that of Casablanca (-2). Who can also regret that Sundowns overthrew Maniema in added time this afternoon (2-1). With this situation, the Greens no longer have their destiny in their hands. For its part, AS FAR Rabat continues to show good form and hopes to go far in the competition.
