AS FAR will cross swords with TP Mazembe led by Moroccan Lamia Boumehdi. Both teams are looking to secure a second victory that could qualify them for the next round.
After brilliantly winning the first match against the Eagles of the Medina, AS FAR is today preparing to face another team whose name alone is enough to sow doubt. This is the Almighty Mazembe. The Congolese club has a good reputation. It will be the 15th club that AS FAR will meet during the final stages of the Women’s Champions League. Mamelodi Sundowns is the only club that AS FAR has faced on several occasions. At home, Mohamed Amine Alioua’s gang is determined to brave all dangers and not back down from any opponent, no matter how tough they may be. “Our goal goes beyond just participating in this competition. We will approach each match as a final. We aim to have a good run and honor all Moroccans,” said the coach in a statement to the club’s official website. This shows all the motivation of the team decided to qualify prematurely for the next round even if the statistics do not seem very favorable. Indeed, AS FAR have only won their first two final phase matches once before, in 2022, beating Simba Queens and Green Buffaloes.
The Military’s record after its second group matches during the final stages stands at 2 victories, 0 draws and 1 defeat over the last three editions. In 2022 and 2023, they won their second meeting against the Huracanes, but lost 2-0 against the Vihiga Queens of Kenya in 2021.
AS FAR today has in its ranks elements experienced in this type of competition, like Khadija Er-Rmichi, Nouhaila Benzina, Fatima Zahra Dahmos, Aziza Rabbah and Ghizlaine Chhiri who took part in the four editions of the final phase. During her 16th match against the Eagles of Medina, goalkeeper Er-Rmichi completed her 11th match without conceding a goal, thus establishing a new record for a goalkeeper in the history of the competition.
Still in terms of performances, the hosts started the final phase by sending a strong message to the opponents and thus equaling their largest opening victory, achieved in 2021 against the Rivers Angels of Nigeria.
After winning its first match of this edition, AS FAR has a record of 10 matches in the group stage: 7 victories, 1 draw and 2 defeats. A record which could be improved this evening from 6:00 p.m. against TP Mazembe. DR Congolese women are tough. They dominated the UNIFFAC qualifying tournament. Under the leadership of Moroccan coach Lamia Boumehdi, they won two matches and conceded a draw, totaling 7 points. Their first meeting ended in an impressive 7-0 against CSM Diables Noires of Congo, followed by a 4-0 victory against Atlético Malabo of Equatorial Guinea. It is in this sense that the talent and experience of the former coach of the national team who knew how to instill a dynamic of success in her team make all the difference. With a structured playing style focused on strong team cohesion, the Moroccan was able to get the best out of her players.
Note that a draw between UWC Ladies and Aigles de la Médina, combined with a victory for AS FAR, would qualify them for the elimination phases for the fourth time. Accustomed to the front of the stage, the Military are not ready to miss out on the title. Crowned in 2022 in front of their audience in Rabat, Er-Rmichi’s teammates once again have the opportunity to repeat the feat and thereby equal the record of the South African Mamelodi Sundowns with 2 titles. Dominator from start to finish of the Moroccan championship with 11 coronations, including nine in a row, AS FAR has very high level players, most of whom constitute the backbone of the national selection. Ranked third during the other two editions (Egypt-2021 and Ivory Coast-2023), the Military will have their eyes set a little higher… on the highest step of the podium.
Morocco
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