CAFCL: AS FAR plays for survival against Pyramids

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.

Meknes is preparing to experience a fiery evening. This Tuesday, AS FAR hosts Pyramids FC for the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinals with a single goal in mind: to reverse a very compromised situation after the heavy defeat (4-1) suffered in the first leg in Cairo.

After the slap in the face in Egypt, a bruised but determined squad appeared at the press conference on Monday evening. Coach Alexandre Santos frankly acknowledged his team's collective failure in the first leg. However, he assured that the following days were devoted to an in-depth analysis of the mistakes made, with a single goal in mind: to bounce back.

In his eyes, the return leg represents much more than just a match. It's an opportunity to reestablish the truth on the pitch and show the true face of the Military club, a far cry from the one displayed in the first leg. The internal message was clear: the time has come to turn the page and approach this second leg with absolute focus, renewed defensive rigor, and a surge of collective pride.

On the pitch, AS FAR will have to score at least three goals without conceding to hope to qualify. A perilous mission against an experienced, well-organized and now savvy opponent. The Egyptian club is certainly in a strong position but it remains on its guard. It knows that Moroccan clubs, driven by their fans, can transform.

In the FAR locker room, the order is clear: play an all-out attack, impose a stifling pace and make the opponent doubt themselves from the opening minutes. Midfielder Zakaria Ajoughlal, a figurehead of military combat, insisted on the need to approach the match with a conquering mentality. No calculations are allowed. The team no longer has the luxury of choices: only victory, and by a wide margin, can save its continental adventure.

Added to this sporting challenge is immense public expectation. The supporters, many of whom traveled to Meknes from Rabat and other cities across the Kingdom, will play their part to the fullest. The club's management hopes to see the Stade d'Honneur transformed into a cauldron. The communion between the stands and the team could well tip the match into an emotional dimension that only African football can offer.

Added to this sporting challenge is immense public expectation. The supporters, many of whom traveled to Meknes from Rabat and other cities across the Kingdom, will play their part to the fullest. The club's management hopes to see the Stade d'Honneur transformed into a cauldron. The connection between the stands and the team could well tip the match into an emotional dimension that only African football can offer.

For AS FAR, this match is also a matter of memory. Twenty years after its last major continental campaign, the club dreams of returning to the African elite. Elimination in the quarterfinals would be a huge disappointment given the hopes held this season. Conversely, a stunning qualification would offer Moroccan football one of its finest modern stories.

It remains to be seen whether the military will manage to transform their frustration into positive energy. Because this Tuesday in Meknes, a battle as much psychological as tactical awaits them. A battle for history.