After the officialization of the qualification of the second representative of the Morocco in Champions League 2024-25, all eyes will be on the lawn of the Larbi Zaouli stadium, where the Raja of Casablanca will be at the reception of Maniema UnionSunday from 5 p.m. The Greens will try to win to join theAS FARwho snatched the qualifying ticket in the quarterfinals last Saturday, after a draw against the same RCA (1-1).
To join the Military, Bougrine’s teammates are now called upon to win with a score of 3-0 against the Congolese, while hoping for a victory for AS FAR in South Africa. Indeed, the Raja is third in Group B with 5 points, while Mamelodi Sundowns is second with 8 points. The two clubs are tied at the level of direct confrontations (1-0 in Pretoria, 1-0 in Casablanca) and will therefore be decided through the goal difference (goal average) or thanks to the goals scored, in the event of a defeat by Sundowns .
Having won every possible trophy with the RCA, except the Champions Leaguethe goalkeeper remained hopeful of seeing this team achieve the feat this season in C1. Disillusionment finally occurred last Saturday following the draw against AS FAR (1-1) and Zniti announced his departure three days later. If the timing chosen by Anas did not fail to surprise the supporters, the departure itself was very predictable, given the deleterious atmosphere which has reigned within the Raja locker room since the start of this season. However, an unexpected qualification could revive the Eagles’ season, in C1 but also in the championship.
AS FAR can be satisfied with just one point in Pretoria
This Sunday, the Rabat club will cross swords with the Mamelodi Sundownswho is struggling with the Raja for the second qualifying ticket in the quarters. Leader of group B with 9 points, theAS FAR could settle for a draw to formalize their qualification as first. The South Africans (2nd with 8 pts) also aim to snatch first place and will aim for three points to inherit an opponent within their reach. The Military delegation headed to Pretoria on Thursday, after a final training session in Morocco. The team will have to play at Loftus Versfeld without its coach, Frenchman Hubert Velud, who underwent successful surgery on Tuesday after rupturing his Achilles tendon. The AS FAR staff will also have to do without central defender Hatim Essouabi, injured during the previous match against Raja in Meknes and replaced before the end of the match. Essouabi will be absent for three weeks due to a left thigh strain. The representative of Morocco is therefore called upon to brave these obstacles and seek at least a draw point, to consolidate his place at the top of the general ranking.
