Translated from French by Andrew Olsson. Click here to read the original article in French
AS FAR in search of its second coronation at home
The club known by its full name Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (AS FAR) is seeking its second continental coronation after having left its mark on women’s football thanks to its remarkable previous performances in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In 2021, AS FAR participated in the first edition of this competition in Egypt where they reached the semi-finals in its first attempt before losing to Hasaacas Ladies of Ghana. AS FAR finished in third place courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea's Malabo Kings.
The following year, the “military” team continued its progression by winning the title on its own soil in a historic final in Rabat against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa by a 4-0 score.
For the fourth chapter of the competition, AS FAR qualified as champion of the Moroccan “Botola Pro”. Although the team also won the UNAF zone qualifiers, their qualification is due to their status as host club.
Fatima Tagnaout received the award for Best Player when AS FAR won the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League
Photo Credit: CAF Online/cafonline.com
2023 ..A champion who let the title slip away!
Considered the favorites in the 2023 edition, the Moroccan club participated in the final tournament in Ivory Coast in Group B along with clubs including Ghanaian sensations Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Led by star Ghizlane Chebbak, AS FAR failed to qualify for the final following a semi-final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns and were forced to settle for third place with a 2-0 victory over Ampem Darkoa.
AS FAR in revenge mode ..a new look for 2024!
Several stars of the team crowned with the 2022 continental title are no longer at home and currently play abroad.
Ghizlane Chabbak, the former captain of AS FAR, currently plays in the Spanish championship with FC Levante Badalana, like her former teammate Hanane Ait El Haj who is now with FC Valencia. As for Ibtissam Jraidi, the Golden Boot winner of the 2022 edition with 6 goals, she now showcases her talent in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli.
Ghizlane Chebbak is one of a number of stars from the 2022 CAFWCL champion team who now play abroad.
Crédit photo: CAF Online/cafonline.com
Player to watch: Najat Badri
Najat Badri is notably the current key player of AS FAR and Moroccan women's football.
Her versatility and excellence in both attacking and defensive roles indicates a player with essential value to the group. She is also recognized for her exceptional technique, her pace and her ability to create scoring opportunities. Badri embodies the commitment and talent of her teammates.
In an interview with CAF Online she declared: “I am proud to represent AS FAR and Moroccan women’s football. Every match is an opportunity to show our talent and prove that we can compete with the best teams in Africa."
Najat Badri: The versatile and experienced player has represented AS FAR for over a decade.
Schedule
Group A
November 9: vs. Aigles de la Médina (SEN)
November 12: vs. TP Mazembe (COG)
November 15: vs. UWC Ladies (RSA)
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