AS FAR power into TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage as US Monastir bow out

Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat sealed their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage after a commanding 3–0 home victory over Horoya AC of Guinea on Saturday night, while US Monastir of Tunisia saw their continental hopes end despite a spirited display against JS Kabylie in Algeria.

At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, the defending Moroccan champions produced a dominant performance to secure back-to-back qualifications for the group phase.

Having drawn 1–1 in Conakry a week earlier, AS FAR took control of the return leg with trademark precision and discipline.

Captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat opened the scoring from the penalty spot shortly before half-time to settle early nerves.

The hosts doubled their lead midway through the second half when a Horoya defender turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

Substitute Jamal Ech-Chammakh added a third in the final minute to seal an emphatic 4–1 aggregate victory, reaffirming AS FAR’s growing stature among Africa’s elite.

The Moroccan side’s qualification ensures their continued presence among the continent’s heavyweights, with ambitions now shifting toward reaching the knockout stages for the first time since their famous 1985 triumph.

In contrast, US Monastir’s campaign came to a close despite a valiant fightback in Tizi-Ouzou.

Trailing 3–0 from the first leg, the Tunisians produced a determined performance but ultimately fell 2–1 to JS Kabylie, bowing out 5–1 on aggregate.

Lahlou Akhrib struck early for the Algerians before Raed Chikhaoui’s header gave Monastir hope midway through the first half.

The visitors pressed forward with energy after the break, with Ibrahim Souissi coming close to giving them the lead, while goalkeeper Abdessalem Hlaoui made key saves to keep them in contention.

But deep into stoppage time, Akhrib struck again to dash Monastir’s late surge.

Despite elimination, Monastir earned praise for their resilience and attacking intent, offering encouraging signs for their domestic campaign ahead.