AS FAR face Berkane clash with three key players missing

AS FAR Rabat will head into their highly anticipated clash against RS Berkane without three important players, as the two sides prepare to meet for the third time in under two weeks.

The upcoming fixture follows their recent home-and-away encounters in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, adding further intensity to an already fierce matchup.

Injuries and Suspension Hit Squad Depth

Head coach Alexandre Santos will be forced to reshuffle his squad due to several setbacks. Goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati is ruled out with a knee injury, while Tawfiq Razqou remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation.

Adding to the concerns, Zinedine Derk will miss the match after being handed a three-month suspension by the Confederation of African Football for testing positive for a prohibited substance.

Confidence Boost Despite Setbacks

Despite the absences, AS FAR’s technical team remains confident, drawing momentum from their recent triumph over Berkane in the continental semi-final. The Rabat-based side secured a 2-1 aggregate victory, giving them a psychological edge heading into this postponed league fixture.

Title Race Adds Extra Pressure

The stakes are high for AS FAR as they look to climb to the top of the domestic standings. Currently sitting second with 30 points, they trail leaders Maghreb de Fès by just one point.

Meanwhile, RS Berkane, positioned fifth with 26 points, will be eager to close the gap and revive their title push, particularly after their disappointment on the continental stage.

Tight Schedule Forces Tactical Adjustments

Santos faces an additional challenge with a congested fixture schedule, forcing him to carefully manage player fitness. Squad rotation is expected to play a key role as the team balances domestic ambitions with preparations for the upcoming CAF Champions League final.

With both sides chasing crucial objectives, the clash promises to be another intense chapter in their recent run of high-stakes encounters.