CAIRO, Egypt — A seismic shift rippled through African football on Saturday night as Morocco’s AS FAR delivered a performance for the ages, toppling defending CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC 2–1 on their own turf. The result at the 30 June Stadium sealed a thrilling 3–2 aggregate victory for the ‘Military Club,’ sending the Moroccan side into the semi-finals for the first time since 1988. The historic win sparked wild celebrations and marked a triumphant return to the upper echelons of African club football.
For Pyramids, reigning champions of the continent, it was a bitter collapse that dashed their dreams of defending their title. For AS FAR, it was a resounding statement that the club — a pioneer in Moroccan football — is once again among Africa’s elite.
Slim’s Early Silence, Hrimat’s Crucial Blow
The tie was delicately poised after a tense 1–1 draw in the first leg in Rabat, leaving the outcome in the balance. With the home advantage and a formidable defensive record, many expected Pyramids to dominate the second leg. However, AS FAR had different plans.
The Moroccan visitors stunned the Cairo crowd in the 9th minute with a brilliant counter-attack. Reda Slim, finding space on the left wing, cut inside and unleashed a low, powerful drive that evaded the outstretched hands of the Pyramids goalkeeper. It was an early and vital away goal that instantly shifted the pressure onto the hosts.
Pyramids responded with sustained possession for the remainder of the first half, but they were thwarted by AS FAR’s disciplined and resolute defense.
The knockout blow came in the 54th minute. AS FAR’s captain, Mohamed Hrimat, rose above the defense during a perfectly executed set-piece, delivering a header into the top corner of the net. At 2–0 on the night (3–1 aggregate), the task before Pyramids became Herculean.
Although the hosts pulled one back in stoppage time through a penalty, it was too little, too late. The final whistle marked the end of Pyramids’ historic title defense and signaled a monumental achievement for AS FAR.
A Legacy Restored: Breaking a 38-Year Curse
AS FAR’s place in Moroccan football history is unmatched. In 1985, they became the first club from the Kingdom to lift the prestigious African Cup of Champions Clubs (the predecessor to the Champions League). However, despite their early success and a CAF Confederation Cup victory in 2005, the Champions League title remained just out of reach.
Their last semi-final appearance came in 1988, and this victory finally ended a 38-year drought, bridging the gap between their golden era with Mohamed Timoumi and the modern squad led by Hrimat. With this win, AS FAR has firmly re-established itself as a force to be reckoned with in African club football.
What Lies Ahead: An All-Moroccan Semi-Final?
The journey is far from over. By eliminating the heavy favorites, AS FAR has firmly established itself as a legitimate contender for the Champions League title. Their semi-final opponent will be determined by the outcome of the remaining quarter-final clash between fellow Moroccan side RS Berkane and Sudan’s Al Hilal.
This sets the stage for a thrilling possibility of an all-Moroccan semi-final, with the Kingdom guaranteed a representative in the final. Given the current form of Moroccan clubs across the continent, AS FAR will fear no one as they continue their quest for continental glory.
