CAF Champions League: FAR Rabat vs Al Ahly Preview, Talking Points and Kick Off Time

FAR Rabat are set to host Al Ahly in Round 2 of the CAF Champions League group matches on Friday, November 28.

Al Ahly head into Friday’s CAF Champions League group-stage clash against FAR Rabat with confidence high after opening their Group B campaign in emphatic style.

The record 12-time African champions opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over JS Kabylie and now shift their focus to a difficult test in Morocco as they look to keep their early momentum intact.

The Red Eagles, however, will make the trip without several key players. First-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy has been ruled out after picking up a muscle injury during the win over JS Kabylie.

“Medical scans showed that El-Shennawy sustained a Grade 2 adductor strain during the opening group-stage match against JS Kabylie,” team doctor Ahmed Gaballah told the club’s website.

Mostafa Shobier, who stepped in during that match, is expected to start between the posts in Rabat.

Ahly will also continue to miss winger Ahmed Abdelkader due to a partial hamstring tear, as well as Mohamed Shokry, who is sidelined with a Grade One calf strain.

“All three players will follow individual rehabilitation programmes before returning to full training,” Gaballah added.

Despite the absences, Danish coach Jess Thorup is expected to maintain his trust in Emam Ashour after the winger made a stunning impact off the bench last weekend, scoring and providing an assist in just 10 minutes.

Ahly reached the group stage after eliminating Aigle Noir of Burundi 2-0 on aggregate and find themselves in a competitive Group B featuring Young Africans, FAR Rabat, and JS Kabylie.

FAR Rabat, meanwhile, will be eager to rebound after falling 1-0 to Young Africans in their opening match.

Their home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will expect a strong response, setting the stage for a fierce contest under the Friday night lights.

Both teams head into the match on the back of similar form over the last five games, having won three matches each during that period.

The only difference is that while FAR Rabat has lost a game, Al Ahly have not lost any in the last five.

Friday’s crucial encounter is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. with Al Ahly highly tipped to secure victory.