Les Aigles de la Médina have soared into history as the first Senegalese women’s club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League, marking a new chapter for Senegalese football.
This historic achievement comes as they prepare to compete in the elite continental tournament, set to take place in Morocco from November 9 to 23, where eight of Africa’s top women’s teams will battle for the crown.
The path to the CAF Women’s Champions League was anything but simple for Les Aigles de la Médina. Their journey began in the WAFU A qualifiers held in Sierra Leone in August, where they faced fierce competition from several regional clubs.
The team began their campaign with a decisive 2-0 win over Red Scorpions of Gambia, showcasing an early glimpse of the dynamic, assertive style of play that would carry them through.
Although they stumbled with a 0-2 loss to AS Mande, they regained their footing with a gritty 2-2 draw against Mogbewmo Queens, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
In a pivotal match against Determine Girls of Liberia, Les Aigles de la Médina displayed unwavering resilience. They clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory, finishing first in their group and securing a place in the final round of the competition.
Facing Determine Girls once again in a thrilling final, Les Aigles de la Médina rose to the occasion.
After conceding an early goal, they equalized through Marie Diokh in the 43rd minute. Then, with only minutes left, Mbene Kane found the net in the 89th minute, sealing a dramatic win and punching their ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Ngouye Sarr, a standout defender and leader on the field, has been instrumental in the team’s journey. Sarr spoke with pride about her team’s accomplishments, saying, “We have shown that Senegal has potential and that we can compete at the highest level.”
Sarr credits the team’s success to their unity and collective spirit, noting that “each player has brought her stone to the building,” underscoring the teamwork that has been essential to their growth.
Coach Mbayang Thiam, a passionate advocate for women’s football in Senegal, has been a driving force behind the team’s achievements. Reflecting on their historic qualification, Thiam emphasized the invaluable experience the Champions League will provide. “This is an experience that will allow us to learn and improve,” she said.
Thiam has instilled a culture of discipline, rigorous preparation, and solidarity within the team, which has not only earned them victory in the WAFU A Zonal Qualifiers but also allowed them to compete at a higher level with each match.
This year marks Les Aigles de la Médina’s debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League, an unprecedented accomplishment for a Senegalese club in the women’s game. With a foundation of determination, talent, and collective ambition, Les Aigles de la Médina are set to bring the pride of Senegal to the continent’s grandest stage, ready to embrace each challenge and seize every opportunity for growth in this landmark tournament.
