Derby Domination: AS FAR Rabat Clinches Capital Clash and Seizes the Lead
7 November 2025
Match overview
AS FAR Rabat kept their positive run by recording a fifth win of the season in the Moroccan Premier League, defeating Fath Rabat. The capital derby finished 1-0 as the home side claimed the points on Thursday in round seven.
The only goal of the match arrived through Youssef Al-Fahli in the 54th minute, giving AS FAR the edge they needed. The game was staged at Kenitra Stadium because Rabat’s Olympic Stadium was hosting the Women’s World Cup final, and Moulay Abdellah Stadium was undergoing maintenance ahead of AFCON finals.
With the result, AS FAR rose to the top of the league standings, edging ahead of Wydad Casablanca on goal difference.
VAR drama and late drama
Traditionally intense, the derby kept its edge despite the venue outside the capital, with strong showings from AS FAR supporters and a combative atmosphere around the two camps.
AS FAR arrived in the capital derby on a run of successive victories in both the domestic league and the CAF Champions League group stage. In contrast, Fath Rabat came off a league defeat to Hassania Agadir and had regained momentum with two wins, while coach Said Chiba faced renewed pressure.
The visitors started strong, but the coach’s decision to hand the captain’s armband to veteran Younes Abdel Hamid, over Rabia Harimat, sparked reactions from the stands and bench alike.
Fath Rabat lined up with intent, hoping to undermine AS FAR’s recent dominance in the capital’s derby history.
VAR was the decision-maker
AS FAR controlled the early tempo, creating several chances. Hamza Khaba, the game’s danger man, fired in the first attempt in the 10th minute, but the strike was chalked off after a VAR review, with a free kick awarded to Fath Rabat instead.
Video assistance also ruled out a goal by Rida Slim in the 23rd minute, counting a foul against the attackers instead. That turning point allowed Fath Rabat to regain balance and push forward with attacks via Amin Sawan and Hadi Al-Muhasani, though Reda Taknouti’s saves and Younes Abdel Hamid’s defensive leadership kept the scoreline intact.
The first half ended goalless, with AS FAR showing the better control but not capitalizing on their chances.
Second-half surge and finish
The second half began with Fath Rabat pressing high, yet the breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Youssef Al-Fahli found the net for AS FAR.
The goal energized AS FAR’s supporters, while Rida Slim nearly sparked tension again before teammates and the referee intervened to maintain control.
AS FAR’s dominance continued as Hamza Khaba, Rida Slim, and Ayet Orhan reached the Fath Rabat area, but the visitors’ defense, led by Younes Abdel Hamid, held firm.
The match swung further in AS FAR’s favor when Osama Sokhan was sent off in the 84th minute, reducing Fath Rabat to ten men and easing pressure on the league leaders.
The visitors’ quest for an equalizer remained unanswered; a late penalty appeal in the 90th minute was rejected after VAR confirmed the sliding tackle was clean. In the 90+8th minute, Anas Bash squandered a clear chance for Fath Rabat as the referee signaled full time.
Punchline time: If this derby were a sandwich, it would be a tight, one-goal bite with a VAR twist—delicious, but you’ll want a rewatch. And if optimism were a ball, it just found the back of the net and rolled into AS FAR’s hands. And yes, my calendar just learned what a dramatic stoppage time looks like.
