AS FAR Rabat and AS Maniema Union played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, marking the third round of the group stage (Group B) of the CAF Champions League. The result maintained FAR Rabat's spot at the top of the group standings, as they have remained unbeaten, leaving Maniema Union searching for their first win after suffering three consecutive draws.
The match kicked off with early intensity from Maniema Union, who saw more of the ball and created several chances. Their persistence paid off when Exaucia Moanda capitalized on a defensive lapse by FAR Rabat and scored the opening goal just before halftime. The home crowd erupted as Maniema took a deserved 1-0 lead, showcasing their determination to improve their group stage situation.
FAR Rabat, who entered the match having performed strongly this season, showed their resilience after the break. They increased their attacking efforts and were eventually rewarded in the 62nd minute when To Carneiro found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 after skillfully taking advantage of a well-placed cross.
This draw means AS FAR Rabat holds the top position with five points from three matches, proving their defensive strength and tactical discipline. Meanwhile, Maniema Union remains second with three points, needing to find their winning formula quickly if they hope to advance to the knockout stages.
Before this encounter, both teams shared some notable performances. Maniema Union had previously secured draws against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns (0-0 away) and Raja Casablanca (1-1 at home), which kept their qualification hopes alive. They also enjoyed success domestically, currently sitting at the top of their local league.
On the other hand, FAR Rabat started the group stage strongly with a 2-0 victory over Raja Casablanca and followed it up with another draw against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Moroccan side had shown strength across competitions but struggled to convert their possession and opportunities fully during Saturday's match.
For the upcoming fixtures, FAR Rabat is expected to maintain their push for top honors in both the league and Champions League, but inconsistency could hinder their away performances. The next clash between these two sides is slated for January 3 at Stade El Abdi.
Following Saturday's match, both teams emphasized their goals moving forward, with FAR Rabat noting the importance of keeping their streak alive. Meanwhile, Maniema Union must build on their strong home performance and convert draws to wins to stay competitive.
