When Moroccan Clashes Set the Stage: Revenge, Memories, and a Tough Draw in Africa’s Continentals

Group-stage draw sets a tough stage for Moroccan clubs

The group-stage draw for the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Champions League proved harsh for Morocco’s representatives. In the Champions League, AS FAR Rabat, the first Moroccan club to lift the trophy, faces two away-to-home battles against Egypt’s Al Ahly and Algeria’s JS Kabylie. The clash sheet promises two heavyweight showdowns that will test Moroccan depth at the continental level.

The Moroccan–Egyptian dialogue continues with a revenge-forward pairing: Renaissance Berkane, Morocco’s reigning league champions, meets Pyramids FC, the current defending champions of the continental stage. It is a rematch born from recent finals and a Super Cup loss that still stings in Cairo.

Kooora tracks the fortunes of Moroccan sides in both competitions and captures the initial reactions following the draw, as Moroccan football ambassadors read the implications for their clubs and supporters alike.

And Kooora confirms that the AS FAR vs Al Ahly clash will be hosted at Stade Moulay Abdellah, the venue promised to host big matches for Moroccan clubs, ensuring a raucous home support could tip the balance in these heavyweight ties.

Memories of the African Super Cup ride again to the surface for AS FAR’s supporters as 1985’s path remains a benchmark: a semifinal triumph over Egypt’s powerhouse Zamalek and a historic title for Moroccan football at the time, in the competition’s old format.

But AS FAR has never faced Al Ahly in this competition; their only prior encounter with the Red Devils took place in the 2005 African Super Cup in Cairo, where Al Ahly prevailed on penalties (4-2). The current draw reshapes that legacy and sets a fresh challenge for the Rabat club.

Hamza Khabba, one of AS FAR’s former scorers with rich continental experience, commented: “When we arrive at this stage, there’s no paper favorite. We respect every opponent, and our goal is to advance at least to the next round, God willing.”

Rabie Harrimates, the captain, and coach Meir Al-Shehabani spoke in television interviews about their ambitions: “The club’s intentions are clear—go as far as possible, with the fans as a 12th man.”

The team will host opponents at Stade Moulay Abdellah, while Shabab Baqel’s Algerian rivals await in a rival derby that doubles as a revenge mission for AS FAR’s opponents from four seasons ago in the Confederation Cup group stage.

Revenge for Berkane, too—Renaissance Berkane’s history in Africa’s group stage is historic and still forging its legacy, following a string of regional successes. The club’s continental resume has already tasted glory with multiple Confederation Cup titles and a recent Super Cup final appearance, validating its status as a continental force.

Now Berkane heads into the Pyramids clash with renewed urgency, aided by the experience of players who have previously proven themselves at the African level and within the Moroccan national setup in competitions like the CHAN. Yassine Bahiri, who has recovered from a ligament injury, is set to play a crucial role as Berkane aims to combine club experience with a youthful push toward deep run.

Bahiri told Kooora: “Our objectives are clear each season—domestically and continentally. This time the burden is heavier because we must protect last year’s achievements in the league and go further in the CAF Champions League—not just the Confederation Cup.”

Berkane’s record on its own home turf stands tall: 51 consecutive home games without a defeat, with 43 wins in Africa, underscoring their formidable home advantage as they chase a strong campaign to validate their status on the continent.

Wydad Casablanca is tipped as an outright favorite, while Olympique Safi enters a comparatively balanced group that also includes a derby against USM Alger. Safi relies on a blend of fresh talent and the leadership of veterans who’ve navigated Africa’s stages before, including the league’s former goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani, who has won titles with Berkane and contributed to Morocco’s continental campaigns.

Wydad, a familiar name on the African stage, has already dashed hopes against continental rivals by dispatching Ashanti Kotoko in the previous round. Club president Hicham Ait Mana declared on national television that “Wydad doesn’t participate to fill fixtures; we aim to win it. Our fans demand it and, after a year away from the stage, we must reclaim Africa’s theatre.” The plan also hinges on the possible rehabilitation of Hakim Ziyech and the support of fans across the continent.