AS FAR Rabat faced a significant test in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round match against Sudanese side El-Merreikh, battling to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling encounter in Juba, South Sudan. Despite being pushed to the brink, the Moroccan club staged a late comeback, relying on two penalties to salvage a crucial result ahead of the return leg.
El-Merreikh seized control of the match early on, capitalising on AS FAR’s sluggish start.
The Sudanese team broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through Alsmani Alsawi, who struck with precision to put the home side in front.
Just ten minutes later, El-Merreikh doubled their lead, with Mohamed Qabbani finding the back of the net to make it 2-0 and pile further pressure on the visitors.
AS FAR struggled to contain El-Merreikh’s momentum throughout the first half, with the Sudanese side threatening to pull off a major upset.
However, the Moroccans managed to regroup during the interval, coming out with renewed energy in the second half as they looked to overturn the deficit.
AS FAR’s breakthrough came in the 79th minute when they were awarded a penalty, providing a lifeline in a game that seemed to be slipping away.
Mohamed Rabie Hrimat stepped up confidently to convert the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving the Moroccans a glimmer of hope.
With time running out, AS FAR continued to press forward, determined to secure a result ahead of the second leg.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 89th minute when they were awarded a second penalty.
This time, Abdelfattah Hadraf made no mistake, calmly converting from the spot to level the match at 2-2, completing a remarkable comeback for the Moroccan side.
The draw was a hard-fought one for AS FAR, who will now return to Morocco with the advantage of two crucial away goals.
Although they were pushed to the limit by El-Merreikh, the late penalties offered them a much-needed lifeline, setting up a decisive return leg.
With the second leg set to take place next week at the Stade Municipal de Kénitra, AS FAR will aim to finish the job and secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
Having been given a scare in South Sudan, the Moroccans will need to ensure they avoid complacency as they look to build on the momentum from their dramatic comeback.
El-Merreikh, on the other hand, will travel to Morocco knowing they missed a golden opportunity to claim a significant victory.
Despite the setback of conceding two penalties late on, the Sudanese side will remain hopeful of causing an upset in the return leg.
For AS FAR, the key will be to maintain composure and take full advantage of their home conditions.
Their resilience in Juba showed they can handle adversity, and they will need to demonstrate the same grit to progress further in the competition.
Goallllllllllllllllll Hadraf
90 ” Al Merreikh 2-2 AsFar
❤️🖤💚 pic.twitter.com/ZNMF4Cd9jJ— AS-FAR.COM Since 2001 . 🇲🇦 (@AsFaRabatcom) September 14, 2024
