All teams remain in contention for a top-two position and qualification for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals as Group B leaders AS FAR host fellow Moroccan club Raja Casablanca in the late match on Saturday (19:00 GMT). AS FAR currently lead the group while Raja, off the back of a crucial home victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, now control their own destiny and want to capitalize on their momentum.
Group B Table
GP | Points | |
AS FAR | 4 | 8 |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 4 | 5 |
Raja CA | 4 | 4 |
AS Maniema Union | 4 | 3 |
AS FAR
The military club from the Moroccan capital of Rabat are in hot form, currently on the verge of snatching second place in their domestic league and unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions. Hosting Saturday's match in Meknes due to ongoing renovations at their home stadium, AS FAR are expecting plenty of support despite the circumstances with tickets selling out in record time.
Coach Hubert Velud understands that an all-Moroccan clash means that it will very likely be a close encounter. Possessing one of the best defenses in the competition, AS FAR also has outstanding goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati to count upon after poor goalkeeping cost the club points against Maniema Union and Mamelodi Sundowns. Congolese central defender Henoc Inonga and Angola national team left back Tó Carneiro are the other standout players in the defensive unit.
The midfield is led by combative central midfielder and captain Mohamed Hrimat while Amine Zouhzouh, likely to represent Morocco at the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), is the creative playmaker. A strong group of forwards leaves it difficult to know who will play from the start but Botswana forward Tumisang Orebonye is taking his chances well in recent appearances, making it likely he or veteran Ahmed Hammoudan will get the nod.
Raja CA
A turbulent 2024-25 campaign leaves The Green Eagles under the leadership of interim coach Hafid Abdessadek, who is maintaining a calm disposition in a season with difficulties both on and off the pitch. Abdessadek emphasized that his players are quick to move on from their victory against Mamelodi Sundowns and focused on continuing to resurrect their quarterfinal hopes with a victory over AS FAR.
The attack has been rather poor for Raja but veterans Adam Ennafati and Naoufel Zerhouni are attacking midfielders who can rise to the occasion. In the absence of a reputable goal scorer, Younes Najari has established himself as the top option due to his high work rate along with the occasional goal. Former Espérance winger Sabir Bougrine is another attacker with a high level of technical ability.
Experienced goalkeeper Anas Zniti appears to have rediscovered his form and the 36-year-old will be crucial on Saturday evening. Abdellah Khafifi, formerly based in Qatari football, and Dutch-Moroccan central defender Benaissa Benamar are continuing to form a capable partnership in a defensive line that is not spectacular but fulfills their defensive responsibilities.
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