AS FAR, Al Ahly Through to CAF CL Quarters Amid Fan Violence
The CAF Champions League group stage reached a violent conclusion at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Although the Moroccan side FAR Rabat successfully secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the Egyptian giants Al Ahly to clinch a spot in the quarter-finals, the sporting achievement was eclipsed by crowd unrest and targeted attacks on the visiting squad.
A Stalemate in the Cauldron
In the finale for Group B, Al Ahly dominated with 68% possession and registered 16 shots at the Moroccan goal. However, they were unable to penetrate FAR Rabat’s defensive formation.
Ultimately, the goalless draw served the immediate goals of both clubs, as Al Ahly topped the group with 10 points while FAR Rabat finished second with 9 points, narrowly beating out Young Africans for the final quarter-final berth.
Players Under Fire
The atmosphere within the stadium turned increasingly hostile as frustration from the home supporters boiled over. Throughout the evening, FAR Rabat players were reportedly subjected to a barrage of projectiles, including water bottles and solid objects. During the halftime interval, the Moroccan squad was pelted with objects as they retreated towards the tunnel, requiring security personnel to intervene and form a protective human corridor.
The tension reached a critical point when winger Ahmed Hamoudan reportedly sustained a hand injury after being struck by a bottle thrown from the stands. Even after the final whistle, the danger persisted, forcing the Moroccan contingent to remain on the pitch for an extended period until the stands cleared sufficiently for them to reach their locker rooms safely.
Controversy in the Stands
The unrest extended beyond the pitch to the spectator sections. Evidence circulated by the Moroccan outlet Elbotola allegedly depicted clashes between FAR Rabat supporters and Egyptian security forces. Reports indicate that after Al Ahly fans initiated the throwing of objects at the visiting section, some security personnel were seen retaliating by directing projectiles back toward the Moroccan fans. Reflecting on the intensity of the environment, AS FAR defender Younes Abderrahim noted that the team was prepared for a difficult atmosphere and had to fight through the chaos to achieve their primary goal.
Disciplinary Fallout and Future Implications
This incident has sparked a heated debate regarding fairness. Earlier in the 2025/2026 campaign, FAR Rabat was heavily sanctioned by CAF for crowd trouble during their first-leg match against Al Ahly in Morocco, resulting in a $100,000 fine and two matches played behind closed doors.
FAR Rabat has officially filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football, and observers are waiting to see if the Disciplinary Committee will impose equivalent “behind closed doors” sanctions on Al Ahly for the upcoming quarter-finals. Looking ahead, both teams will move into the knockout stages following Tuesday’s draw, though FAR Rabat will have to navigate their next match without captain Rabie Harimat, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
