FAR Rabat reach historic TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final despite Berkane defeat
FAR Rabat secured a historic place in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final for the first time in their history, overcoming RS Berkane 2-1 on aggregate despite a 1-0 defeat in Saturday’s second-leg semi-final in Berkane.
The Moroccan side’s first-leg advantage ultimately proved decisive, as Yassine Lebhiri’s second-half penalty gave Berkane victory on the night but fell short of overturning the deficit from Rabat.
FAR Rabat will now face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, marking a landmark moment for the club after decades of waiting.
The Rabat-based club were the 1984/85 champions of the previous Champions Cup but have not won the competition since it become known as the CAF Champions League.
Berkane strike but fall short
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, RS Berkane entered the match knowing they needed a strong response after their 2-0 loss in the first leg.
They began with urgency and purpose, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough, while FAR Rabat remained organised and disciplined at the back.
The visitors had the first clear opportunity in the 21st minute when Nolan Mbemba found himself through on goal, but his effort flew over the crossbar, missing a chance to all but seal the tie.
Berkane continued to press, and their persistence was rewarded early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Paul Valère Bassène. The decision, confirmed after a VAR review, reflected Berkane’s attacking intent and marked another successful moment for Bassène, who has won more penalties than any player in the competition this season.
Lebhiri stepped up to convert confidently in the 57th minute, scoring his first CAF Champions League goal and giving the hosts renewed hope.
FAR Rabat hold firm under pressure
Despite conceding, FAR Rabat showed resilience and composure as they absorbed sustained pressure from the home side.
Goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti played a crucial role, once again demonstrating why he is among the competition’s standout performers this season, with his consistent shot-stopping helping preserve the aggregate lead.
Berkane dominated possession and created several openings, with Lebhiri central to their attacking efforts, contributing both shots and chances as they pushed for a second goal that would have levelled the tie.
However, FAR Rabat’s defensive discipline and experience ensured they held on, even as the hosts remained unbeaten at home in the competition.
Historic milestone for FAR Rabat
While defeat on the night may have been a setback, the bigger picture belonged to FAR Rabat, who have now written a new chapter in their history by reaching the final for the first time.
They become the third Moroccan club to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca, underlining the continued strength of Moroccan football on the continental stage.
The result also highlighted the contrasting strengths of both teams — Berkane’s impressive home form and attacking threat, and FAR Rabat’s ability to manage ties effectively over two legs.
Final showdown awaits
FAR Rabat will now turn their attention to a high-profile final against Mamelodi Sundowns, who progressed with a 2-0 aggregate victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
For the Moroccan side, the challenge will be to build on their disciplined performances while improving their away form, having struggled for goals on the road throughout the campaign.
For Berkane, their journey ends at the semi-final stage, but their strong home displays and attacking contributions — particularly from Lebhiri and Bassène — will offer encouragement for future campaigns.
As FAR Rabat prepare for their first CAF Champions League final, they do so with momentum, belief and the opportunity to make history on the biggest stage in African club football.