This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
The semi-finals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League will be held on Tuesday, November 19 in Casablanca and El Jadida. Four teams brilliantly obtained their ticket to this crucial stage of the competition, at the end of a particularly competitive and emotional group stage.
AS FAR, host of the tournament and former champion, flew through the group stage with a flawless performance. The Moroccans dominated TP Mazembe (DR Congo), the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the Aigles de La Médina (Senegal), thus confirming their status as contenders for the title. They will be accompanied in the semi-finals by TP Mazembe, who made notable progress after their elimination in the group stage during the 2022 edition.
In the other group, Nigeria’s Edo Queens ended the hopes of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies by finishing on top with two wins and a draw. They will be joined by the tournament’s novices, FC Masar, who embodies one of the greatest sensations of this edition thanks to a remarkable run.
Here is a detailed overview of their path to the final and the challenges that lie ahead for each team.
The journey to the final
AS FAR (Morocco) :
Former champions in 2022, the Moroccans continue their momentum with performances that are both solid defensively and impressive offensively. They aspire to retain their crown in front of their audience. AS FAR are the only team to have reached the semi-finals in four consecutive editions of the competition, a feat made even more significant by the elimination of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Among the eight clubs entered, AS FAR is the only team to have won all of its group matches.
TP Mazembe (DR Congo) :
The Congolese club achieved a historic performance by reaching the semi-finals for the first time. This progression is the result of remarkable tactical discipline and exemplary combativeness during the group phase.
Lacho Marta, whose dazzling performances earned her a place in the group stage XI established by the CAF Technical Study Group, will be a key player for her team.
Edo Queens (Nigeria) :
The Edo Queens established themselves as one of the most attractive teams in the tournament, wowing spectators with their spectacular play and unwavering determination. Their crucial victory against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies left a lasting impression.
They thus become the second Nigerian club, after Bayelsa Queens in 2022, to reach the last four of the competition. In-form player Emem Essien also features in the Group Stage XI and will be a major asset to her team.
FC Masar (Egypt) :
A true revelation of this edition, FC Masar impressed with its collective solidity and its high-quality individual performances. This team has proven that it has its place among the African elite.
It becomes the first Egyptian team to reach the semi-finals, a step that Wadi Degla had not reached during the 2021 and 2022 editions. FC Masar is also the third club in the UNAF region, after AS FAR and SC Casablanca, to interfere in the last square.
Semi-final schedule (GMT time)
Tuesday November 19, 2024
2:00 p.m. : Edo Queens (Nigeria) vs. TP Mazembe (DR Congo) – Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca 5:00 p.m. : AS FAR (Morocco) vs. FC Masar (Egypt) – M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida
