Go AWOL in the Sahara perhaps (6)
I believe the answer is:
desert
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'go awol' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'the sahara perhaps' is the second definition.
(sahara is a kind of desert)
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "Defect, forsake" , "Abandon - barren region" , "Run away from the forces; desolate" , "Eg, the Sahara" , "Merit < leave" .)