FAR Rabat coach Hubert Velud has declared that his team capable of competing for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after their historic qualification to the quarter-finals.
The Frenchman made the bold declaration following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Moroccan rivals Raja Casablanca on Saturday night which helped them to reach the last eight.
This achievement marks the first time FAR Rabat has reached the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals since the introduction of the group stage format, after they went top of the group nine points and one match left.
Raja Casablanca, however, faces an uphill battle to qualify, sitting in third place with five points and needing a win in their final group-stage game.
Speaking after the tense clash in Rabat, the French coach also emphasized the team’s potential to compete for the continental title.
“We have all the capabilities to compete for this title. This team is very good, and our fans deserved this performance from us. I am happy to lead the Royal Army to this result; it is a club worthy of respect,” he said.
Velud expressed pride in his team’s performance and resilience. “We achieved what was required, and the qualification is fair and deserved. Even the draw is fair, considering what happened in the match and its fluctuations,” the Frenchman said, referring to the back-and-forth nature of the Maghreb derby.
-The match saw FAR Rabat take the lead in the 40th minute when Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti inadvertently turned a corner kick into his own net.
Raja fought back and equalized in the 77th minute through Noufel Zerhouni, who converted a penalty after Maamouri was fouled in the box.
Moments later, Raja thought they had secured a winner when Issa Ben Omar found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the FAR goalkeeper.
Velud acknowledged the significance of the result for the Royal Army, who lead Group B with nine points, one ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns. “It is a historic moment with special feelings,” Velud said. “The club’s fans are happy, and we will celebrate with them.”
Velud concluded by highlighting the importance of teamwork and fan support in their journey ahead. “This qualification is a product of everyone’s effort — the players, the technical staff, and the fans. We will keep pushing forward to make this a season to remember,” he said.
FAR Rabat will aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the final group-stage match and look ahead to a promising quarter-final campaign.
