RS Berkane host AS FAR in the second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Saturday with a place in the final at stake and the tie finely poised despite a two-goal advantage for the visitors.
FAR Rabat travel with a 2-0 cushion from the first leg, having secured a commanding victory that extended their unbeaten run against Moroccan opposition in the competition. They are also unbeaten in their last eight Champions League matches, underlining their consistency on the continental stage.
The visitors will take confidence not only from their form but also from their defensive strength. No side has kept more clean sheets in this season’s competition, with FAR conceding just four goals, significantly outperforming their expected goals against tally.
However, their away record offers encouragement to the hosts. FAR have won only two of their last 11 away matches in the Champions League, even though one of those victories came in their most recent trip against Pyramids in the quarter-finals.
Berkane, meanwhile, return to familiar surroundings where they have been far more reliable. All three of their defeats in the competition have come away from home, while they remain unbeaten in four matches on their own ground, conceding just once.
They will also look to lean on their attacking patterns, particularly their ability to win the ball high up the pitch. Berkane have recorded the most high turnovers in the competition this season, frequently turning defensive pressure into attacking opportunities. Their threat from set-pieces is equally significant, with no side scoring more goals or attempting more shots from dead-ball situations.
Individually, Mounir Chouiar remains a key figure for the hosts, having been directly involved in more than half of Berkane’s goals in the competition. His creativity and finishing could prove crucial if the home side are to overturn the deficit.
For FAR, control in midfield will again be vital. Mohamed Hrimat was instrumental in the first leg, completing the vast majority of his passes and dictating the tempo of the game with authority.
History is also within reach for the visitors. FAR have won their last two matches in the competition and could become the first Moroccan side to win three consecutive knockout games if they avoid defeat.
With Berkane needing at least two goals to force extra time and FAR aiming to protect their advantage, the second leg promises a tense tactical battle where discipline and efficiency may ultimately decide who advances to the final.
