The countdown to the start of the CAF Women’s Champions League officially gets underway, with today marking seven days to kick off.
Fans watching the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 will witness two clubs from the host nation in SC Casablanca as well as former champions, AS FAR.
The tournament gets underway in Morocco between 09 – 23 November where the two clubs will be playing in front of a highly expectant crowd that will have the expectation of the trophy returning to the north African country.
In 2023, two Moroccan clubs, AS FAR and Sporting Club de Casablanca, proudly represented the country, thus highlighting the evolution of women’s football and the potential of Moroccan teams on the African continent.
AS FAR headed to the Cote d’Ivoire edition as the reigning African champion after lifting the title on home soil the year before against the then holders, Mamelodi Sundowns with a 4-0 victory.
During that season, the Moroccan champions had undergone several changes, in particular with the departure of Ibtissam Jraidi, holder of the record of goals scored in the competition with six achievements, to Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the team, under the leadership of Mohamed Amine Alioua, had integrated many young talents while retaining experienced players such as Ghizlane Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout.
The Moroccans had their mettle tested against Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa who edged them 2-1 but eventually found their rhythm and overcame Huracanes as well as AS Mandé to advance to the knockout stages.
SC Casablanca made their debut in the Cote d’Ivoire edition where did well to hold the hosts, Atlético d’Abidjan to a 1-1 draw before suffering a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
They then masterminded a 4-1 victory over JKT Queens which saw them advance to the knockout stages.
For the first time in the history of the tournament, two clubs from the same nations were represented in the semi-finals.
AS Far faced off against their foes, Mamelodi Sundowns who outclassed them and saw them exit the tournament thanks to a stellar performance by Boitumelo Rabale who netted a brace.
AS Far went walked away with a bronze medal as consolation of losing their title.
This year, South Africa hopes to follow in Morocco’s footsteps and make history by lining up two of its teams in the semi-finals with the University of Western Cape as well as holders, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Source: CAF Online
