AS FAR Rabat edged a five-goal thriller against Wydad Temara, winning 3-2 in an International Club Friendly that delivered far more entertainment than the average pre-season warm-up. The match swung back and forth, with the Rabat giants twice pegged back before finally settling the contest with a decisive third goal that their greater quality in the final third ultimately justified.

Friendlies are supposed to be about fitness, tactics and squad rotation, but derby-day pride does not disappear just because the points do not count. With Wydad Temara based just a short drive from the capital, this had the feel of a local grudge match, and the tempo of the play reflected it.

Match Overview

AS FAR Rabat, one of the most decorated clubs in Moroccan football and a regular presence in continental competition, started brightly and dominated the ball in the opening half-hour. Their build-up play was sharp, with the full-backs pushing high and the front three rotating to pull the Temara defensive line out of shape. The opening goal arrived from exactly that pattern, a well-worked move down the right finished confidently at the near post.

Wydad Temara responded with spirit rather than panic. Their equaliser came from a set piece, a whipped delivery met with a powerful header that gave the keeper no chance. FAR restored their advantage before half-time, but Temara refused to go away, levelling again after the break with a quick counter-attack that exposed the space left behind by the advanced full-backs.

The winning goal, arriving in the closing stages, was the best of the five — a composed finish at the end of a patient passing sequence that stretched the Temara block from side to side before the decisive pass was slipped through.

Key Moments

• A crisp first-half move down the right gave AS FAR Rabat the opening goal and set the tone for an open contest.
• Wydad Temara equalised with a towering header from a corner, underlining their threat from set pieces.
• FAR's second goal came from a shot across the goalkeeper after a turnover high up the pitch.
• Temara levelled again after the interval with a clinical counter-attack finished low into the far corner.
• The decisive third goal arrived late, a patient build-up ending with a precise finish inside the box.

Tactical Story

The game offered a useful tactical contrast. AS FAR Rabat wanted to dominate possession and play through the thirds, using numerical superiority in midfield to progress the ball. That worked well in open play but left them vulnerable in transition, and Temara targeted precisely that weakness with quick, vertical counter-attacks.

Temara's approach was pragmatic and, for long spells, highly effective. They defended in a mid-block, kept their two banks of four close together, and used the pace of their wide players to spring forward the moment possession was won. Both of their goals came from situations FAR will want to review, particularly the second, where too many players were caught ahead of the ball.

Standout Performers

AS FAR's attacking midfielder was the most influential player on the pitch, linking midfield and attack, beating his marker in tight areas and contributing to two of the three goals. The centre-forward also impressed with his movement, dragging defenders out of position to create space for runners.

For Wydad Temara, the goalkeeper made several smart stops to keep the scoreline respectable, while the centre-back who scored the first equaliser delivered a commanding all-round display. Their right winger was a constant outlet on the break and gave the FAR left-back a difficult evening.

What the Result Means

For AS FAR Rabat, this was a useful workout that exposed exactly the kind of defensive vulnerability that can be punished in competitive fixtures. Scoring three goals will please the coaching staff; conceding two from transitions will not. Expect work on defensive shape in the sessions that follow.

Wydad Temara can take real encouragement from pushing a far bigger club so close. Their organisation, set-piece threat and counter-attacking speed are genuine strengths, and on this evidence they will be a difficult opponent for anyone in their league campaign.