HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
While waiting for the start of the CAF Women’s Champions League on November 9, CAF invites you to relive 7 great moments in the history of the competition.
In 2023, the CAF Women’s Champions League marked a turning point for women’s football in Morocco by taking place in Ivory Coast. Two Moroccan clubs, AS FAR and Sporting Club de Casablanca, proudly represented the country, highlighting the evolution of women’s football and the potential of Moroccan teams on the African continent.
AS FAR began this Ivorian edition as reigning African champions, a title acquired on home soil the previous year by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0. During this season, the Moroccan champions had undergone several changes, notably with the departure of Ibtissam Jraidi, holder of the record for goals scored in the competition with six goals, to Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the team, under the direction of Mohamed Amine Alioua, had integrated many young talents while retaining experienced players like Ghizlane Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout.
For their entry into the competition, the Moroccans had to find and test a new balance against the Ghanaians of Ampem Darkoa. Surprise at the San Pedro stadium: the North African team lost 2-1 against the UFOA B champions, a failure which called into question their course without diminishing their motivation. They recovered against the Huracanes before dispelling doubts against AS Mandé, thus qualifying for the last four of the competition.
For their debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League, the Casablancaises shared their group with Athlético d’Abidjan, the host team. They drew 1-1 against the Ivorians, then suffered a 1-0 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns, before making up for it with a 4-1 victory against JKT Queens. These results opened the way to the semi-finals for the Moroccan players.
For the first time in the history of the Women’s Champions League, two teams from the same country reached the semi-finals, increasing their chances of winning the title. AS FAR faced an old acquaintance, Mamelodi Sundowns, for a remake of the last final. Unfortunately for the Military, Boitumelo Rabale’s goal prevented the Moroccans from achieving a historic double. Mohamed Amine Alioua and his players had to settle for the bronze medal, while their compatriots lost in the final against the South Africans, thus finishing in second place on the podium. During the awards ceremony, Rabataises and Casablancaises took a lap of honor on the lawn of the Ahmadou Gon Coulibaly stadium, united under the same flag.
This year, South Africa hopes to follow in Morocco’s footsteps and make history by fielding two of its teams: the University of Western Cape and Mamelodi Sundowns. Inspired by the Moroccan success, South Africa aims to raise its colors and include one of its teams in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
