Three key players for FAR Rabat in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final

FAR Rabat will appear in their first TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in over four decades when they take on South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns across two legs from next week.

The Moroccan giants have built their run to the final on discipline, defensive solidity and crucial moments from experienced players, having eliminated defending champions Pyramids and rivals RS Berkane along the way.

While their campaign has been a collective effort, three individuals have stood out as pivotal to their historic journey.

Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti

2025/26 appearances/saves: 14/25

The experienced goalkeeper has been the backbone of FAR Rabat’s impressive run, starting all 14 matches in the competition and delivering consistently high-level performances.

Tagnaouti boasts one of the best goalkeeping records in the tournament, with 25 saves — among the highest totals — and an outstanding save percentage of 83%. His average of 2.8 saves per 90 minutes underlines his reliability between the posts.

More importantly, his presence has been key to FAR’s defensive strength, with the side conceding just a handful of goals across the campaign, including crucial clean sheets in high-stakes fixtures such as the semi-final first leg against RS Berkane.

In knockout matches, he has repeatedly stepped up — making three saves in both legs against Pyramids, including in the decisive 2-1 away victory, and another three in the tense semi-final second leg.

A CAF Champions League winner in 2022 with Wydad AC and part of Morocco’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, the 29-year-old brings invaluable experience to the final and will be central to FAR’s hopes of lifting the trophy.

Ahmed Hammoudan

2025/26 appearances/goals: 10/2

Veteran winger Ahmed Hammoudan has provided the cutting edge in attack for FAR Rabat, combining experience with decisive contributions in key moments.

The 34-year-old has featured in every phase of the competition and has scored two of the team’s most important goals.

He opened the scoring in the 1-1 quarter-final first-leg draw against Pyramids — a result that set the tone for their eventual elimination of the defending champions — before delivering again in the semi-final, netting the opener in the crucial 2-0 first-leg win over RS Berkane.

Hammoudan’s influence extends beyond goals. His ability to stretch defences, deliver quality in wide areas and make intelligent runs has made him a constant threat, while his leadership has been vital for a team blending youth and experience.

Named in the CAF Champions League Group Stage Best XI, he remains one of FAR’s most dependable attacking outlets heading into the final.

Mohamed Rabie Hrimat

2025/26 appearances/goals: 11/1

Captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat has been the heartbeat of FAR Rabat’s midfield throughout their campaign, providing both defensive steel and attacking support.

The 31-year-old has logged close to 1,000 minutes in the competition, underlining his importance to the team’s structure and balance.

His standout moment came in the quarter-final first leg against Pyramids, where he scored a crucial goal in the 1-1 draw that laid the foundation for their famous away win in Egypt.

Hrimat’s numbers highlight his all-round impact — with 47 ball recoveries and 60 passes into the final third — showcasing his role as both a destroyer and a creator.

His leadership and tactical awareness were also evident in the semi-final victory over RS Berkane, where he controlled the tempo and ensured FAR maintained their defensive organisation.

As a leader in the team, Hrimat will be key to managing the intensity of the final and ensuring his side maintains the discipline that has carried them this far.

FAR Rabat’s journey to the final has been built on resilience and structure, but also on moments of individual brilliance.

With Tagnaouti guarding the goal, Hammoudan providing attacking spark, and Hrimat controlling midfield battles, the Moroccan side have the spine needed to challenge for continental glory against Mamelodi Sundowns.