The fourth round of matches on Saturday could provide the moment of truth in Group B of the CAF Champions League and Morocco's AS FAR are looking for nothing less than victory when they host AS Maniema Union of DR Congo at 19:00 GMT. AS FAR are currently tied at the top of the group with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns but the task will be difficult against third placed Maniema Union who have proven to be a stubborn foe.
Group B Table
Games Played | Points | |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 1 |
AS FAR
The Royal Army club have not tasted defeat since early November and Hubert Velud's team are poised to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League with a victory on Saturday. In their pre-match comments, head coach Velud and experienced forward Ahmed Hammoudan stressed the importance of attacking efficiency and the proper construction of attacking movements against a strong Maniema defense. “We have to be good in building and finishing attacks. That is essential," said Velud. Of note is that AS FAR will host the match in Meknès due to ongoing renovations at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.
Questionable goalkeeping was a factor in AS FAR's last two Champions League matches which ended in draws against Maniema and Mamelodi Sundowns. However, supporters are happy to see Ayoub El Khayati back between the sticks after he missed out on those matches due to injury. DR Congo national team defender Henoc Inonga was also absent from the Champions League matches and will return to anchor a strong and well organized defense.
Experience and leadership form the foundation of AS FAR's success in recent years and central midfielder Mohamed Hrimat is a perfect representative of this tenacity. Amine Zouhzouh continues to be the essential playmaker behind a talented group of forwards. It appears that Congolese forward Joël Beya has lost his place in the eleven, clearing the way for Botswana national team striker Tumisang Orebonye who took advantage of recent opportunities by scoring three goals in AS FAR's last two domestic league matches.
Maniema Union
Little was expected of the Congolese club before the group stage commenced but Papy Kimoto's team is now being taken very seriously, proving that their elimination of Angolan club Petro de Luanda in the qualifying stages was no fluke. Maniema Union have drawn all three of their matches including a 0-0 result at Group B favorites Mamelodi Sundowns. Pre-match comments from the club mentioned the cold conditions in Morocco but the plan will be to continue their strong defensive form away from home.
The Maniema defense has been consistent and displays good chemistry at this high stage. Central defender Osée Ndombele is the captain and Brunel Efonge continues to perform excellently in a unit that has conceded only six goals in nine Congolese Linafoot matches as well as two goals in three Champions League duels. Further strengthening the defense is the use of defensive central midfielders including 21-year-old players Jonathan Kanu and Onoya Sangana.
However the emphasis on defense in the midfield creates uncertainty in the attack, something that is currently preventing the Congolese club from overtaking group favorites AS FAR and Sundowns. Pacey winger Jeancy Mboma is injured and despite strong performances as a physical target forward up top, Japhte Kitambala needs more service from the midfield and flanks. It will be interesting to see if coach Kimoto and his team take more risks away from home.
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