Imane Abdelahad: “I have bigger ambitions”
The first thing that strikes you when you observe Imane Abdelahad is her energy.
The Fez native is a ball of energy but more importantly, is the last line of defense in the SC Casablanca team.
At 29, the Moroccan shot stopper is making her CAF Women's Champions League and has been impressive.
She made seven impressive saves against Athlético d'Abidjan, making her the keeper with the highest success rate in the competition so far.
Cafonline.com sat down with the shot-stopper for an exclusive interview.
You recently experienced your first match in the CAF Women's Champions League. What were your impressions?
Being a Moroccan international helped me a lot in preparing for a major event like the CAF Women's Champions League. I am very proud to be present at this stage of the game but I have bigger ambitions. This is the first time I have participated in this competition and I have already settled well.
Your next match will be against Mamelodi Sundowns. On your opposite end, is another great goalkeeper in Andile Dlamini who was crowned best goalkeeper during WAFCON 2022. Have you followed her performances in this competition?
Yes of course ! Andile Dlamini no longer needs to be introduced and we have met many times with our respective national teams. I followed her performances very closely during the last CAF Women's Champions League which took place in Morocco.
Mamelodi Sundowns have an excellent goalkeeper but that doesn't mean she is unbeatable. I am sure that the players on my team will find solutions to score goals against her.
What relationship do you have with Fatima Bambara and Chaimae Chaouni, the two other Casablanca goalkeepers?
We form a family within the big family. Chaimae is currently with the U-20s. She sent me a message before the match against Abidjan to encourage me. We support each other a lot. I consider them my little sisters.
Imane, where does this love for the goalkeeper position come from?
I was born a guardian (laughs). I like everything. It’s in my nature, it’s part of me. I just love being in the goals and making sure we don't lose the match.