For the third consecutive season, the Morocco will have one representative in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League. Thanks to the feat achieved by theAS FARTuesday evening against the Egyptians of FC Massar (2-1), national football will therefore be in the running for a second women’s continental title.
The 2024 CAF Champions League semi-final, which took place at the El Abdi stadium in El Jadida, started on a good note for the Military. Indeed, Safae Banouk managed to unlock the clock in the 11th minute, by taking a cross from a corner at close range. The opening score pushed FC Massar to leave its zone and try to surprise the Moroccan defense, which cracked by causing a penalty in the first period. The members of the capital were, however, able to count on a very inspired guardian. Khadija Er-Rmichitherefore deprived the Burundian center forward Sandrine Niyonkuru to equalize, before the whistle announcing the end of the first period.
After going to the locker room, the Egyptians made further attempts to come back into the scoreline, particularly from set plays. The Moroccans, for their part, did not manage to worsen the score, but blocked the way for their opponents. While the match seemed to end with a narrow victory for AS FAR, the match referee, the Namibian Antsino Twanyanyuwaawarded a penalty to the Egyptians, after using VAR. The Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi released a new majestic parade in the face of the first attempt to Maya Ahabbut the referee ordered the penalty to be replayed. This time, Maya caught Er-Rmichi on the wrong foot and equalized in added time. Right after playing center, Hello Mssoudy rushed into the left lane and caused a foul in the 96th minute. Doha El Madani took his responsibilities and sent a shot wrapped from an improbable angle, which left the FC Massar goalkeeper no chance.
The dice were cast andAS FAR could celebrate its historic qualification in the final of the Women’s Champions League 2024. During the final match of this edition, the Moroccans will cross swords with TP Mazembe, who play under the orders of national technician Lamiae Boumehdi. AS FAR, who won the 2022 edition at the expense of Mamelodi Sundowns, will be looking for a second title, to equal the South African record. Morocco is the only country on the continent to field a representative in the final in three consecutive editions.
Alioua promises to keep “the same spirit” in the final
Tuesday evening, after the final whistle, the AS FAR coach, Amen Killedwas complimentary of his players, ensuring that experience had played a determining role in this semi-final. The technician specified that the Soldiers were able to manage the pressure well throughout the match, despite a surprising end to the match. Amine Alioui also congratulated goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi for her distinguished performance: “Today, once again, Khadija Er-Rmichi demonstrated that she was one of the best goalkeepers in the world and probably the best in the world. continent”. Regarding his expectations for the final, Amine Alioui indicated that the next match would be different from the semi-final, but that the team would try to keep the “same spirit” to follow through on its plans.
