Inonga Baka’s return to AS FAR Rabat’s starting lineup ended in disappointment as the Congolese defender was forced off with injury during the club’s CAF Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Pyramids FC.
Baka, who had been absent from the squad in recent weeks, was hoping to make a strong impression in a crucial match for the Moroccan side.
However, his comeback was cut short just 30 minutes into the first half when he sustained an injury that required immediate substitution.
His early exit marked a painful turn in an already demanding tie for AS FAR.
At the time of Baka’s departure, AS FAR were leading 1-0 and looked determined to mount a comeback after their heavy 4-1 defeat in the first leg in Egypt.
Despite adding a second goal and finishing the match with a 2-0 victory, it wasn’t enough to overturn the aggregate score.
The result confirmed AS FAR Rabat’s elimination from the continental tournament, falling 4-3 over the two legs.
Baka’s injury compounds the club’s disappointment. A key figure in the heart of defence, his return had been seen as a potential turning point in a bid to stabilise the backline and inspire a strong performance in front of the home crowd.
Instead, the military club now faces the double blow of exiting the competition and potentially losing one of their most experienced players at a critical juncture in their season.
The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, and the club has not issued an official statement regarding his recovery timeline.
However, the timing could not be worse for AS FAR. With domestic and potential continental ambitions still in play, the absence of a central defensive anchor like Baka may pose challenges for head coach Nasreddine Nabi as he looks to recalibrate his squad for the battles ahead.
For AS FAR Rabat, the elimination from the CAF Champions League is a significant setback. The team had harboured high hopes of progressing further in the competition, especially after a strong start to their domestic campaign.
The performance in the second leg offered a glimmer of resilience and determination, but it ultimately proved insufficient against a Pyramids FC side who had already done most of the damage in the first encounter.
The club’s supporters, while proud of the fighting spirit shown in the second leg, are now left to reflect on what might have been — and to hope for a swift recovery for Baka, whose leadership and presence could be essential in the coming weeks.
As the focus turns back to local competition, AS FAR Rabat must regroup quickly. The loss of Baka is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football, especially during the intense pressure of continental knockout rounds.
Whether they can bounce back will depend not only on the squad’s depth but also on how they manage the psychological blow of this exit and the potential long-term absence of one of their key defensive pillars.
