ASFAR Rabat booked a historic place in the CAF Champions League final for the first time in the modern era, progressing with a 2-1 aggregate victory over RS Berkane despite losing 1-0 in the second leg.
Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Rabat, ASFAR Rabat approached the return fixture in Berkane with discipline, absorbing pressure for long periods as the hosts pushed to overturn the deficit. Berkane dominated possession early on but struggled to break down a compact defensive setup.
Their best opening in the first half came in the 19th minute when Youssef Mehri found space down the right and delivered a low cut-back, but Paul Bassene could not apply the finish under pressure.
ASFAR Rabat, despite seeing less of the ball, created the clearest chance of the half two minutes later. Abdelfettah Hadraf led a quick counterattack and picked out Nolan Mbemba, who fired over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes into the second half when Berkane were awarded a controversial penalty after Bassene went down in the box. Following a VAR check, the decision stood, and Yassine Labhiri calmly converted to give the hosts the lead on the night and reduce the aggregate deficit.
Berkane continued to push, and Labhiri nearly doubled his tally in the 63rd minute, but Ahmed Tagnaouti produced an excellent save to keep FAR Rabat in control overall.
At the other end, Hadraf came close again shortly after, forcing a strong stop from Anas Zniti as the game opened up.
That proved to be the final real chance, with ASFAR Rabat holding firm in the closing stages to secure passage to the final, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs in May.
Although they fell short on the night, the aggregate result marks a major milestone for FAR Rabat, who last lifted Africa’s top club prize in 1985 when it was known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs. Their progression also reinforces Morocco’s growing dominance in continental football, following in the footsteps of Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca.
