Morocco Trail South Africa 1-0 in CAF Champions League Final 1st Leg

Speaking at a press conference after the match, Morocco’s coach Santos stressed the need to quickly move past the defeat and rely on the support of their home fans to mount a comeback. He was confident in his squad’s ability to recover and come back stronger.

He explained that his team came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, particularly between the 20th and 40th minutes, thanks to strong attacking pressure.However, he acknowledged several mistakes, especially leaving spaces that the opposing team exploited effectively.

“Our playing philosophy is clear and based on taking the initiative, but in this kind of major occasion, strength lies in the ability to maintain balance throughout the match.”

Head coach Cardoso described the South African narrow victory as an important morale boost rather than a decisive result.

The match’s only goal was scored by South African international full-back Aubrey Modiba in the 37th minute from a set piece taken from approximately 30 meters away from the goal defended by Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti of AS FAR.

Cardoso highlighted his team’s ability to score “at any moment and on any ground,” a trait he said they share with AS FAR, “which also demonstrated strong attacking organization.”

“In the return leg, our focus will be on preserving our football identity and our usual style of play, while showing greater respect to AS FAR, which has proven to be a formidable opponent with the qualities of a champion,” he added.

He also called on the video assistant referee (VAR) officiating teams to provide a professional standard that matches the progress of African football, referring to the interruption at the start of the second half caused by a technical issue related to VAR.

On the other hand, he praised the scenes of fair play and the exchanges of greetings between players from both teams after the final whistle, saying that such exemplary behavior is what makes the African continent proud of its footballing and sporting achievements in the eyes of the world.

The match’s only goal was scored by South African international Aubrey Modiba in the 37th minute from a set piece struck from around 30 meters out, beating AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.

In a tactical and highly contested encounter, the hosts largely dominated possession but struggled to break down the visitors’ compact defensive block.

The South Africans, faithful to their style built on long passing sequences, dictated the tempo but came up against a disciplined Moroccan defense. Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams circulated the ball well but found it difficult to create openings.

Meanwhile, AS FAR looked dangerous on their first real attacking move. From a well-delivered set piece, central defender Yunis Abdelhamid rose above the South African defense, but his header narrowly missed the target guarded by Ronwen Williams, in the clearest chance of the opening quarter-hour.

Despite limited attacking options, AS FAR created danger down both flanks through wingers Youssef El Fahli and Ahmed Hammoudan, though they failed to convert their opportunities.

AS FAR’s defensive resistance, having not conceded a first-half goal throughout their continental campaign this season, was finally broken in the 37th minute.

From a free kick curled in from nearly 30 meters out, South African international full-back Aubrey Modiba struck a superb effort into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.

Shortly after halftime, the match was suspended for nearly 20 minutes due to a technical issue involving the VAR system before resuming after lengthy discussions.

Stung by the goal conceded in the first half, the teammates of Rabie Hrimat increased their efforts and pushed forward more aggressively in search of a crucial away goal.

However, the South Africans intensified their attacks in an attempt to extend their lead, particularly through Colombian striker Brayan León Muñiz, who missed a one-on-one opportunity against the AS FAR goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.

Rabat will host the second-leg match on May 24.

AS FAR booked their ticket despite a 1-0 defeat to Renaissance Berkane, who opened the scoring with a penalty converted by Yassine Labhiri (57′), capitalizing on their 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

Organized by LaLiga in partnership with the José Ramón de la Morena Foundation, this international youth football tournament brought together 20 clubs from five continents to mark the 30th anniversary of this flagship competition.

As the only Arab and African representative, WAC competed in Group C alongside Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Real Betis, and Sevilla FC.

Considered one of the most prestigious events in youth football, the tournament has unveiled numerous talents who later became major figures in world football.

In a statement to MAP, the tournament’s founder, José Ramón de la Morena, had previously recalled that the tournament, launched 30 years ago, aims to create opportunities for young footballers and promote the values of effort, respect, and solidarity, welcoming its evolution into a global competition.

He also expressed his enthusiasm about discovering WAC’s young players, praising the quality of the club’s academy, the rise of Moroccan football, and the remarkable performance of the Morocco national football team at the last World Cup.

The competition concluded on Sunday with Real Betis Balompié being crowned champions after a hard-fought and spectacular 3–1 victory over Flamengo in the final.

AS FAR opened the scoring in the 9th minute through Reda Slim, before doubling their lead in the 54th minute thanks to Rabii Hrimat.

The Egyptians narrowed the gap in the 62nd minute through Fiston Mayele, but were unable to equalize.

The first leg, played in Rabat, had ended in a 1-1 draw.

With this victory (3-2 on aggregate), AS FAR secured its spot in the competition’s semifinals.

In the semifinals, AS FAR will face the winner of the two-leg series between RS Berkane and Al Hilal Omdurman, the outcome of which will be determined following Sunday’s match.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 93rd minute by Mounir Chouiar, allowing his team to advance to the semifinals after a tight contest that went down to the wire.

The first leg, played in Berkane, had ended in a 1-1 draw. With this victory, RS Berkane secured its spot in the competition’s semifinals.

In the semifinals, RS Berkane will face AS FAR, which qualified for the semifinals of the African Champions League after a 2-1 away victory over Pyramids FC, thanks to goals by Reda Slim and Rabii Hrimat. The Egyptians’ only goal was scored in the 62nd minute by Fiston Mayele