Moroccan giants FAR Rabat produced a disciplined and clinical performance to eliminate defending champions Pyramids FC from the CAF Champions League, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory after a 2-1 win in Cairo on Saturday night.
The result marked one of the biggest statements of this season’s continental competition, as the Moroccan military side ended Pyramids’ title defense and booked a place in the semi-finals with a composed display away from home.
Heading into the decisive second leg, Pyramids were under pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw in Rabat. Playing in front of their home supporters in Cairo, the Egyptian side needed a strong response, but it was FAR Rabat who looked more organised and purposeful from the opening minutes.
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Their early intensity paid off when a swift counter-attack inside the first ten minutes caught the hosts off guard. Youssef El Fahli led the charge down the right flank before setting up Reda Slim, who calmly finished into the top corner to silence the home crowd and give the visitors a crucial lead.
The early goal forced Pyramids to push forward in search of a response, but they struggled to break down FAR Rabat’s disciplined defensive structure.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession, the Egyptian champions lacked cutting edge in the final third. Their frustration was evident midway through the first half when they appealed for a penalty after a suspected handball in the box, but VAR upheld the referee’s decision, leaving the hosts without the lifeline they desperately wanted.
FAR Rabat remained dangerous, particularly from set pieces and counter-attacks, and they doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half.
Reda Slim turned provider this time, delivering a precise corner that was met by captain Rabie El Harimat, whose powerful header beat goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy to make it 2-0 on the night and put Pyramids on the brink of elimination.
The Egyptian side responded almost immediately through Fiston Mayele, who pulled one back just two minutes later after reacting quickly to a well-delivered free kick. His goal reignited hope among the home fans and set up a tense final half hour as Pyramids pushed forward in search of the equaliser that would have kept their title defense alive.
However, FAR Rabat showed remarkable composure under pressure. Their backline remained solid and well-organised, cutting out crosses and limiting clear chances despite late pressure from the hosts.
Mohamed El-Sheibi tried to inspire Pyramids with dangerous deliveries into the box, but the Moroccan side managed the game intelligently, slowing the tempo and protecting their slim advantage until the final whistle.
The victory represents a major statement for FAR Rabat, who now head into the semi-finals full of confidence after eliminating one of the tournament favourites. For Pyramids, the defeat brings a disappointing end to their continental journey, as they are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a tie that slipped away on home soil.
With momentum on their side, FAR Rabat will now shift focus to the semi-finals, where they will aim to continue their impressive run and push closer to lifting Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.