Pressure, Signings, and a Stadium Showdown: AS FAR Rabat Walks the CAF Tightrope
13 November 2025
Under Pressure Ahead of Two CAF Showdowns
AS FAR Rabat, commonly known as the Army Club in Morocco, has intensified preparations under Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, aiming for two crucial matches at the end of the month after returning from the international break.
They will face Young Africans of Tanzania and Al Ahly of Egypt on November 21 and 28, respectively, in the second matchday of the CAF Champions League group stage.
Officials decided to stage these games at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with the city authorities’ permission and the backing of the Moroccan Football Federation, turning it into a stage for the club’s continental ambitions.
Absences, Signings and a Stadium‑Showdown
Santos remains under pressure as the squad deals with injuries and heavy expectations, with seven first‑team players away on international duty during the window.
Among the absentees, five are with the Moroccan Olympic team preparing for the Arab Cup in Qatar under coach Tarik Saktioui.
Captain Rabie Harimat misses the action, joined by defenders Marwan El Wadni, Anas Bash and Youssef Abd Hamid, midfielder Khaled Ayt Orkhan, and foreign pros Mam Noah and Carnero.
Despite these gaps, Santos has been asked to deliver wins away to Young Africans and at home to Al Ahly to protect his job and push the club forward in Africa.
Last season he steered the team to a runners-up finish in the Moroccan league, earning another CAF Champions League campaign and a promise of silverware this term.
To strengthen the squad, AS FAR signed 12 players in the summer, including Rahda Slim returning from Al Ahly, Mohsen Bourika from Sion, and Hamza Khabba rejoining after a stint in Kuwait.
In the CAF Champions League, the team reached the group stage after beating Horoya Conakry, a milestone that boosted Santos’ standing within the club.
In an unprecedented move, the authorities approved hosting the Al Ahly clash at Moulay Abdellah, a 70,000‑seat arena, following a strong turnout of about 43,000 against Horoya.
But five players’ continued absence with the Moroccan Olympic team raises doubts over training plans if they are called up for the Arab Cup at the start of next month.
Rising stakes for the season demand a heads‑up performance in Tanzania and Rabat, and Santos must manage the rotation while chasing progress in Africa.
The club’s summer signings, the depth they bring, and their CAF CL journey will shape whether Santos remains in the hot seat beyond the month’s end.
Punchline 1: If pressure were a ball, Santos would be dribbling it past the press.
Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything — and Santos is still waiting for the punchline.
