This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
This match marks the very first meeting between these two teams in the final phase of the CAF Women’s Champions League. Even more, this is the first clash between two clubs from the same region, the UNAF (North African Football Union), at this stage of the competition. For the second consecutive edition, two UNAF teams reached the semi-finals, confirming the progression and influence of this region in African women’s football. To date, only the UNAF and the WAFU (Union of West African Federations) have always had at least one representative among the last four during the four editions of the tournament. With this 100% North African duel, it is assured that a club from this region will compete in the final for the third consecutive time. AS FAR have already participated in the final in 2022, while SC Casablanca reached the final in 2023. If FC Masar manages to qualify for the final, it would make them the third different club in UNAF to reach this final level. No other region would have had so many different clubs in the final.
The path of the two teams to the semi-final
AS FAR established itself as the best attack in the competition with 8 goals scored in three matches, conceding only one. On the other hand, FC Masar scored three goals and also conceded only one goal in the group stage. The two teams also stand out for their offensive precision: AS FAR had 14 shots on target, compared to 12 for Masar.
AS FAR: Experience and efficiency
AS FAR is participating in its fourth semi-final, a record in the competition. Having won the tournament in 2022, a victory would allow them to return to the final for a second time, both times on home soil. Their record in the semi-finals is balanced: one victory (1-0 against Simba Queens in 2022) and two defeats (against Hasaacas Ladies in 2021 and Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023). Each of these matches ended in a narrow score, with a single goal difference. With 19 matches played in the tournament’s history, AS FAR is the most experienced team, sharing with Sundowns the record of 13 regular time wins. As hosts, the Moroccan club are on an impressive eight-game winning streak. Doha El Madani particularly stood out during this edition, scoring five goals in the group stage. She is the first player to achieve this feat, and could equal or surpass Ibtissam Jraidi, top scorer in the club’s history with six goals in 2022. Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, present in all AS FAR matches since the creation of the tournament, is also a key player with 11 clean sheets on the clock.
FC Masar: A meteoric rise
FC Masar is the first Egyptian club to reach the semi-finals, surpassing the performance of Wadi Degla, who did not advance past the group stage in the 2021 and 2022 editions. With two wins in three matches, Masar already has a better record than its predecessor in just one participation. Undefeated FC Masar scored five points in the group stage, a record for an Egyptian club. Striker Sandrine Niyonkuru was decisive, scoring two goals with impressive precision (55.6% shots on target). A third achievement would make her the top Egyptian scorer in the history of the tournament. The club also relies on the creativity of Mahira Ali, who has created seven chances since the start of the tournament, the best total at this stage of the competition.
Outlook for the final
If AS FAR reaches the final, they will equal Mamelodi Sundowns’ record of two finals played. On the other hand, if FC Masar wins, it will make history as the first Egyptian club to beat AS FAR on its home field in the Champions League.
This clash between two strong and disciplined teams promises an intense confrontation, with a place in the final and the opportunity to proudly represent the UNAF region at stake.
