Thunder in Rabat: Why VAR Went Missing in Al Ahly vs AS FAR Rabat, and What’s Next
27 November 2025
Match context and VAR questions
Al Ahly’s Danish manager Jess Thorup praised the warm welcome in Morocco and confirmed the team trained yesterday on a high-quality pitch, signaling readiness for the clash.
Thorup pointed out that the Red Devils began the group stage strongly with a 4-1 victory over JS Kabylie in Cairo, and he stressed the aim to carry that momentum into Friday’s game against AS FAR Rabat.
“The performance was good, so we want to keep the momentum and deliver a strong showing against the Royal Army,” he said during the press conference held today.
He added: “The focus always stays on the team. I continuously strive to improve our performance, study the opponent, and respect them, but the goal is to perform at our best and continue what we started.”
Thorup also commented on the use of Video Assistant Referee: “VAR has become essential for justice in the smallest details. I don’t know why it was absent here, but we respect the refereeing system, and VAR is now a fundamental element in matches like this.”
Team preparation and key quotes
The training session took place in Rabat as the squad prepared for a tough test against the Royal Army. The coach noted that all players listed for the match are fully ready to chase three points, acknowledging that pressure is a natural part of football while stressing the importance of managing it within the squad to secure a win.
Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguiyeh” spoke to the press, thanking the Moroccan people for their hospitality and reiterating that Al Ahly travels to Rabat with a single objective: victory.
He lauded Moroccan football for its talent pool, highlighting the presence of Moroccan players at Al Ahly and describing the fixture as special and challenging.
Trezeguiyeh underscored that Al Ahly players are accustomed to pressure and possess significant experience in such fixtures, adding that the club respects AS FAR Rabat and its supporters while aiming to please their own fans.
He also praised his teammate Rida Slim, noting the strength added by Rabat’s crowd and their influence on the match atmosphere.
In closing, he stated that the team would focus on each match individually and that victory is the primary target for this confrontation.
Final preparations, match logistics and lineups
The final training session was held Thursday evening in Rabat as Al Ahly prepared for the Friday night kickoff. The Red Devils had won their opening group-stage meeting in Cairo, defeating Shabab Kabylie 4-1, while AS FAR Rabat had a 0-1 loss away to Young Africans.
Thorup delivered several motivational talks to his players at the team hotel to spur a positive result in the upcoming encounter.
The technical meeting took place on Thursday at the Rabat Officers Club to finalize organizational matters for the match to be held the following day.
Representatives from Al Ahly included Samir Adly, the external relations director, along with administrative and medical staff. CAF officials and delegates from AS FAR Rabat were also present. It was agreed that Al Ahly would wear its traditional red shirt, white shorts, and red socks, with the goalkeeper in green, while AS FAR Rabat would wear a black shirt with red and green stripes, black shorts, and black socks.
Squad notes The Al Ahly delegation included a large group of players, with several regulars listed for the African competition and others left out due to injuries or registration status. The roster showcased a mix of experienced veterans and rising talents who are expected to feature in the tie against the Royal Army.
Two brief punchlines to end on a lighter note: If VAR had a passport, it would be stamped “Resolved Here.” If football was a bank, today’s match would be a high-interest loan—credit risk is low, but the suspense is sky-high.
