Skip to main content FIFA Tagnaouti: Great things can be achieved at ASFAR Published 12 May 2026 Goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti spoke to FIFA about ASFAR's road to the CAF Champions League final, their Sundowns showdown and overcoming injury. AS FAR players celebrate victory during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 match between Pyramids and ASFAR at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 21 March 2026 ©Ahmed Ramadan//BackpagePix ASFAR will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the two-legged CAF Champions League final Morocco international goalkeeper Tagnaouti will be between the sticks for the Rabat outfit The experienced shot-stopper hopes to lift African club football’s biggest prize once again Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti’s journey is one of resilience and recovery, shaped by remarkable mental strength. It is the story of a boy who came through the prestigious Mohammed VI Academy, was crowned African champion with Wydad, then suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 that forced him to rebuild his career step by step – first in Fez, then in Tetouan – before returning to the highest level at ASFAR. Since arriving in Rabat in July 2025, Tagnaouti has enjoyed a dream first season, starring in a sensational CAF Champions League campaign that has taken ASFAR all the way to the final. The Moroccans will traverse the African continent to play the first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday, 15 May, before welcoming the South Africans nine days later to decide which club will be crowned champions of Africa and earn places in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™ and FIFA Club World Cup 2029™. AS FAR players celebrate victory during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 match between Pyramids and ASFAR at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 21 March 2026 ©Ahmed Ramadan//BackpagePix Yet nothing has come easily for the 13-time Moroccan champions who are chasing a second continental title and their first since 1985. Their path has taken them through two qualification rounds, followed by a group stage that featured Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly – the most decorated club in African club football – and a clash with defending champions Pyramids. But this close-knit team has risen to every challenge. Tagnaouti spoke exclusively to FIFA about the journey that has brought him to within touching distance of another continental triumph. FIFA: From where does your love of football come? Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti: My father was a goalkeeper. He’s also a great goalkeeping coach here in Morocco. Sometimes I would go along to training with him, which made me want to follow in his footsteps. How did your development go, and how did you make the step into the professional game? I spent six years at the [Mohammed VI Football] Academy, which was a great experience. Then I joined Berkane at 18. Despite my age, I played almost ten matches as first-choice goalkeeper, and that experience left a real impression on me and helped me develop. Mohamed Ben Romdhan of Al Ahly SC during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 match between Al Ahly and ASFAR at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 15 February 2026 ©Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix A serious knee injury forced you to rebuild your career. Did that challenge help you build even greater mental strength? Of course. I am very dedicated to my work. I don’t let media talk affect me. I was well aware that I had put on weight; that pushed me to work even harder and become even more focused. When I arrived at ASFAR, I knew from day one that I would have to live up to the standards of this great team. I needed to go through that period. You have enjoyed a tremendous CAF Champions League campaign, knocking out defending champions Pyramids. How proud does that make you? Here at ASFAR, everything is in place for us to achieve great things. We have players with plenty of experience. As soon as I arrived, I told myself: ‘We have to do something special this year.’ It was not straightforward at the start, but when you have experienced, ambitious players, you can achieve great things. AS FAR team picture during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 1st leg semifinal match between AS FAR and Berkane at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco, on 11 April 2026 ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix The semi-finals pitted you against Berkane, the club where you made your professional debut. How emotional was that for you? Yes, Berkane supported me and looked after me, especially when I was young. I knew it was not going to be easy, especially as they also have a lot of experience. They have won titles in Africa. Last year, they won the [Botola Pro] League. I warned my team-mates: ‘I know Berkane, I know their ground, I know what it is like there –it is not going to be easy.’ But we stuck together. We knew we had to reach the final, especially as it had been 40 years since the club had last got there. It is a dream for us and our fans. You have played in three finals and won one continental title. How do you pass that experience on to your team-mates? In football, it’s crucial to have experienced players, but above all you need character. That is essential at a big club like ours. Mohamed Rabie Hrimat of Morocco receives the player of the tournament trophy after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final match between Jordan and Morocco at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images) What role does your captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat play, having broken through onto the international stage later in his career? I played against him several times. I always knew he would get there one day, even if he had to wait a little longer. He is an excellent player, but above all he is a true captain, both on and off the pitch. When I arrived at ASFAR, he helped me settle into the team straight away – although I already knew half of the players. He is a model professional and very demanding. He has earned his place among Africa’s best. How are you gearing up for this final? It is a final – finals are not played, they are won! Our aim is to win. I have played against Sundowns seven or eight times – they are a great club with top players. But we are ASFAR, and we have excellent players too. We’ll do whatever it takes to lift the cup, inshallah.
Tagnaouti and ASFAR: A Journey of Resilience and Continental Ambition
Welcome to this week’s deep dive into one of African football’s most compelling stories. Today, we shine a spotlight on Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, the Moroccan goalkeeper whose remarkable journey of perseverance and grit has brought him—and his club ASFAR—within striking distance of CAF Champions League glory.
Tagnaouti’s story is not just about the beautiful game; it’s about mental strength, recovery, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. From the prestigious Mohammed VI Academy to lifting the African crown with Wydad, his path has had its share of highs and lows, including a serious knee injury in 2023 that could have ended many careers. Instead, Tagnaouti rebuilt himself step by step, proving that setbacks can fuel comebacks.
ASFAR’s Road to the Final
Since joining ASFAR in Rabat in mid-2025, Tagnaouti has been a cornerstone of a team that’s gone on an exhilarating run in the CAF Champions League. The 13-time Moroccan champions, chasing their second continental title (the first since 1985), have overcome fierce competition, including the likes of Egyptian giants Al Ahly and defending champions Pyramids.
The upcoming two-legged final against Mamelodi Sundowns is set to be a thrilling showdown. ASFAR will travel to South Africa for the first leg on May 15 before returning home nine days later to decide who will claim Africa’s top club honor—and a spot in future FIFA global club competitions.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Tagnaouti attributes his mental toughness to more than just physical training. “I don’t let media talk affect me,” he says. His injury and subsequent weight gain became motivation rather than a setback. Arriving at ASFAR, he knew the standards were high and the pressure immense, but he embraced the challenge with unwavering focus.
His experience shines through not only in his goalkeeping but in how he lifts the team’s spirit. “Here at ASFAR, everything is in place for us to achieve great things,” he reflects. “When you have experienced and ambitious players, you can do something special.”
Facing Old Friends and New Challenges
The semi-final clash against Berkane, the club where Tagnaouti first made his professional mark, was emotionally charged. Recognizing Berkane’s strength and home advantage, he gave his teammates a heads-up: it wouldn’t be easy. Yet, ASFAR’s unity and determination saw them through, setting the stage for a final appearance after a 40-year wait.
Leadership and Experience
Experience and character are the pillars of ASFAR’s success. Tagnaouti emphasizes the importance of having seasoned players who bring more than just skill to the pitch. The role of captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat is a perfect example—someone who matured into his international acclaim later in his career yet commands respect on and off the field. Hrimat’s professionalism and leadership have been crucial in helping Tagnaouti settle into the team and push towards greatness.
The Final Countdown
As the final approaches, Tagnaouti’s mindset is clear: “Finals are not played, they are won!” With multiple encounters against Sundowns under his belt, he knows the caliber of the opposition. But his confidence in ASFAR’s talent and collective spirit is unshakable. “We’ll do whatever it takes to lift the cup, inshallah,” he declares.
This is more than a football match. It’s a story of dreams, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Tagnaouti and ASFAR’s journey remind us why football is not just a sport—it’s a source of inspiration.
Stay tuned as we follow this gripping final and celebrate the triumphs that unite African football. Until next week, keep the passion alive and the spirit strong!
1500 words
Certainly! Here is an expanded, detailed 1500-word article on Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti and ASFAR’s journey to the CAF Champions League final, capturing the story's depth, the player’s resilience, the team’s challenges, and the significance of their achievements.
Tagnaouti and ASFAR: A Remarkable Journey of Resilience, Ambition, and Continental Glory
In the world of African football, stories of resilience, determination, and triumph often define the careers of the continent’s most inspiring athletes. Among these narratives, the journey of Moroccan goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti stands out as a powerful testament to mental strength and unwavering ambition. As the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final approaches, Tagnaouti and his club ASFAR are poised to write a new chapter in African club football history—one filled with hope, grit, and the pursuit of greatness.
From Humble Beginnings to the Mohammed VI Academy
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti’s love affair with football began early, deeply influenced by his father, who himself was a goalkeeper and a respected goalkeeping coach in Morocco. Young Tagnaouti often accompanied his father to training sessions, absorbing the nuances of the position he would soon come to master. This early exposure planted the seeds of passion that would drive his career forward.
His formal development took place at the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy, a beacon of talent development in Morocco. Spending six formative years there, Tagnaouti honed his skills in a professional environment designed to nurture future stars. The academy’s rigorous training, combined with his natural talent and dedication, prepared him for the challenges of professional football.
At just 18, Tagnaouti made a significant leap by joining Berkane, a club competing in Morocco’s top division. Despite his youth, he quickly earned the trust of his coaches and was given the responsibility of first-choice goalkeeper in nearly ten matches. This early exposure to high-level competition was crucial in shaping his confidence and experience.
Triumph and Trial: The Highs and Lows of a Promising Career
Tagnaouti's early career trajectory was promising. After making a mark at Berkane, he moved on to bigger challenges, including a successful stint with Wydad Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most storied clubs. With Wydad, he tasted continental success, lifting the CAF Champions League trophy and cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
However, his journey was not without setbacks. In 2023, Tagnaouti suffered a severe knee injury—one that threatened to derail his career. Injuries of this magnitude can be career-ending, especially for goalkeepers who rely heavily on agility and reflexes. Yet, it was in this adversity that Tagnaouti’s mental strength truly shone. Rather than succumb to despair, he committed himself to a rigorous rehabilitation process, rebuilding his fitness and form step by step.
His journey took him from Fez to Tetouan, as he worked tirelessly to regain match fitness and confidence. This period of recovery was as much a mental battle as a physical one. Tagnaouti’s determination not to let the injury define his career speaks volumes about his character.
A New Chapter at ASFAR and a Dream CAF Champions League Run
In July 2025, Tagnaouti embarked on a new chapter by signing with ASFAR, the 13-time Moroccan league champions based in Rabat. The move represented not just a fresh start but an opportunity to prove himself once again at the highest level of African club football.
The 2025/26 CAF Champions League season has been nothing short of spectacular for both Tagnaouti and ASFAR. Their journey to the final was marked by determination, skill, and tactical discipline. The path was far from easy. ASFAR had to navigate two qualification rounds, a challenging group stage featuring Egyptian giants Al Ahly—the most decorated club in African football—and a knockout phase that included defeating the defending champions, Pyramids FC from Egypt.
Throughout this campaign, Tagnaouti has been a rock between the posts, delivering crucial saves and commanding his defense with calm authority. His leadership and experience have been invaluable in tight matches, helping ASFAR maintain composure under pressure.
The Road to Glory: Key Matches and Turning Points
ASFAR’s semifinal clash against Berkane was particularly poignant for Tagnaouti. Facing the club where he made his professional debut brought a mix of emotions. Berkane, having won the Botola Pro League the previous season and boasting a squad with African and continental experience, was a formidable opponent. Tagnaouti’s intimate knowledge of Berkane’s style and home advantage became an asset he shared with his teammates, urging caution and focus.
Despite the challenge, ASFAR’s resilience prevailed. The team’s unity and tactical discipline saw them through, securing a place in the final for the first time in 40 years—a milestone that resonated deeply with the club and its passionate fanbase.
Leadership and Team Spirit: The Backbone of ASFAR’s Success
For ASFAR, experience and character have been just as important as technical ability. Tagnaouti emphasizes the importance of having seasoned players who bring maturity and mental toughness to the squad. Among these leaders is the team captain, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, whose journey to international recognition came later than most but whose impact has been profound.
Hrimat embodies professionalism and leadership on and off the pitch. His presence has helped create a cohesive team environment where players support one another and share a collective ambition. Tagnaouti credits Hrimat with helping him settle quickly into ASFAR, highlighting the importance of a strong leadership core in a team chasing major honors.
The Final Showdown: ASFAR vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
The stage is set for an electrifying final against Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s premier clubs. The two-legged final will test ASFAR’s resolve and quality as they travel to South Africa for the first leg on May 15, before returning to Rabat nine days later for the decisive match.
Tagnaouti approaches this challenge with a clear mindset: “Finals are not played, they are won.” Having faced Sundowns multiple times before, he respects their strength and quality but remains confident in ASFAR’s ability to rise to the occasion. The stakes are high—not only for continental glory but for qualification to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™ and the FIFA Club World Cup 2029™.
Beyond Football: The Inspirational Power of Tagnaouti’s Journey
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti’s story transcends football. It is a narrative about resilience, hard work, and the power of belief. His ability to overcome a potentially career-ending injury and return to the pinnacle of African football is inspiring for athletes and non-athletes alike.
His journey also highlights the importance of mental strength in sports, a factor often overshadowed by physical ability. Tagnaouti’s focus, dedication, and refusal to be swayed by external pressures or setbacks serve as a powerful example for aspiring players.
Conclusion: The Pursuit of Excellence and Legacy
As ASFAR prepares for the final chapter of their CAF Champions League campaign, the team embodies more than just footballing ambition; they represent the dreams of their fans, the pride of Moroccan football, and the spirit of African club competition.
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti’s leadership, resilience, and experience have been central to this journey. Whether the final results in another trophy or simply a hard-fought battle, the legacy they are creating is undeniable—a story of overcoming adversity, uniting a team, and pursuing greatness with heart and determination.
For football fans across Africa and beyond, Tagnaouti and ASFAR’s story is a reminder of why the beautiful game captivates us all: it is about passion, perseverance, and the unyielding quest to turn dreams into reality.
Would you like me to include additional sections, such as tactical analysis of ASFAR’s playing style or profiles of key teammates?
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