After qualifying by winning the UFOA/A Tournament, the double reigning champions of Senegal face FAR of Rabat this afternoon in their first African Champions League meeting, under the leadership of the coaching duo Cheikh Oumar Diouf – Mbayang Thiam.
The Eagles of the Medina conquer Africa
The Eagles of Medina begin their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign with determination, after achieving the feat of finishing first in the Qualifying Tournament, ahead of teams like AS Mandé, Mogbwemo Queens FC and Determine Girls. Placed in un strong group, alongside the FAR of Rabat (Morocco), TP Mazembe (DR Congo) and the University of Western Cape LFC (South Africa), the Senegalese are preparing to face their destiny with a series of challenges of size.
The first match, scheduled for this Saturday (5:00 p.m. GMT) at the Stade Ben M’Hamed El Abdi, in El Jadida, Morocco, will see the Eagles of Medina face FAR of Rabat, considered one of the most formidable opponents on the paper in the tournament. Victorious of the second editionition, in 2022, the Moroccans have always reached the last four of the competition. This entry is therefore already crucial for the Senegalese who will have to show determination to remain competitive throughout the tournament.
The Diouf-Thiam duo to lead the debates
Ambitious, the leaders of the Eagles have set their sights on Mbayang Thiam to form a coaching duo with Cheikh Oumar Diouf. It’s no secret that boasting of a strong friendship has never been a disadvantage in the heart of a staff. The two technicians have rubbed shoulders on numerous occasions in the U20 women’s national team. At the national level, especially with regard to the clubs, their qualities are no longer in doubt, they who delivered a nice mano a mano in the Women’s Championship last season.
“It’s a duo who is used to working together, particularly in the U20 selection. They have experience of African women’s football with the competitions they have participated in. So they will be able to put that at the service of the team”assured us Wolimata Seye, coach of the teame female of the Dakar Sacré-Cœur and consultant for the RTS. After fighting among the U20s and qualifying the Eagles of Medina in this Champions League, Cheikh Oumar Diouf and Mbayang Thiam are ready to take up the challenge and guide their team in its dream.
“We are mentally ready to take on the challenge. The FAR of Rabat will play in front of its home crowd, which is a plus for them, but we are a determined team and we are not here to make up the numbers but to do well”declared Thiam at a press conference. To succeed in this prestigious competition, the Eagles are counting on their spontaneity, freshness, enthusiasm and motivation, qualities which have already benefited them in the Qualifying Tournament, although they were clearly not the most expected.
wiwsport.com
