CAF Women's Leage
AS FAR turn the tide to secure win over TP Mazembe
AS FAR showcased an impressive comeback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-1 in a high-intensity CAF Women’s Champions League encounter at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida on Tuesday.
The Moroccan side fought back after conceding an early goal to secure all three points in the Group A match, in front of their home crowd and move to six points.
The match began with TP Mazembe taking the lead in the 11th minute, as Elena Nkuandum found the net following a VAR review, finishing a close-range shot into the bottom corner after an assist from Merveille Kanjinga.
Mazembe’s early pressure seemed to have caught FAR Rabat off guard, and they controlled much of the early exchanges.
However, FAR Rabat regrouped after the break, equalizing in the 50th minute through a superb header from Doha El Madani, who directed Safa Banouk’s cross into the top corner.
This goal ignited the Moroccan side’s confidence, and just two minutes later, Sanaâ Mssoudy put them ahead with a precise left-footed finish to the bottom corner after receiving a well-timed pass from Doha El Madani.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 58th minute, Mssoudy struck again, extending AS FAR’s lead to 3-1 with a clinical finish from close range, capitalizing on a cross from Zineb Erroudany.
Despite Mazembe’s attempts to rally, including a missed penalty by Telma Baffour in the 83rd minute, they could not break through FAR Rabat’s sturdy defence.
FAR Rabat’s spirited comeback against TP Mazembe underscores their potential as a strong contender in the CAF Women’s Champions League, leaving the home fans hopeful for the remainder of the tournament.
The result sees the hosts top Group A, with Mazembe tied on 3 points with University of the Western Cape Ladies who won their match against Aigles De La Medina earlier in the day.
The four teams will be back in action for their final Group A fixtures on Friday evening to determine who advances to the semi-finals.
Aigles De La Medina takes on the wounded Mazembe, while UWC Ladies face a AS FAR side that already has one foot into the semi-finals.
Both matches kick-off at 19h00 Local Time.
Miracle Usani is the sole Edo Queen player in the CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI, which was announced on Monday.
The Best XI selection highlights the top-performing players of the tournament. It is compiled by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), which includes football analysts, coaches, and technical advisors.
The Best XI features four players from debutants FC Masar which placed third in the final ranking.
Four players are selected from Champions TP Mazembe and two from runners-up AS FAR of Morocco.
In goal is FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry, whose acrobatic saves and commanding presence earned her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The central defense is solidified by Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo from FC Masar.
The full-back positions are occupied by Miracle Usani of Edo Queens on the left and Vukulu Belange of TP Mazembe on the right.
TP Mazembe’s Marline Kasaj anchors the midfield, providing exceptional support during their title run.
The attacking midfield duo features AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Nyonkuru of FC Masar, adding creativity and flair to the line-up.
The attacking trio is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Doha El Madani (ASFAR), on the right, with TP Mazembe’s Lacho Marta on the left, and Merveille Kanjinga (TP Mazembe) as the central striker.
CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI:
GOALKEEPER
- Habiba Emad Sabry (FC Masar)
DEFENDERS
- Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
- Shadia Nankya (FC Masar)
- Aisha Nantongo (FC Masar)
- Vukulu Belange (TP Mazembe)
MIDFIELDERS
- Marline Kasaj (TP Mazembe)
- Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
- Sandrine Nyonkuru (FC Masar)
FORWARDS
- Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
- Merville Kanjinga (TP Mazembe)
- Lacho Marta (TP Mazembe)
Edo Queens lost in the third-placed match with Egypt’s FC Masar after a penalty shoot-out. The Egyptians won 5-3 after a goalless draw.
As it happened when both teams met in the group stage, full-time scores remained 0-0. It was obvious the Edo Queens were deficient in penalty kick shooting as they had earlier lost one in their encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The technical crew probably did not reckon with penalty kick training.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s flagbearers, the Edo Queen will make their final appearance at the 2024 CAF Women’s League this Friday when they take on FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match.
A win will not only fetch them the bronze medal, but an increased financial gain from $300,000 to $350,000. By the current exchange rate, this is N589,284,600.
A chunk of this will undoubtedly improve their living standards and also fetch some of the players better offers from foreign clubs.
Already, their good run has led to some of the players emerging as nominees at next month’s CAF Awards in Morocco. Monle Oyono is nominated along with Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie as contender for the African Woman’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
So also is Emem Essien seeking to win the Women’s version of the Interclub Player of the Year Award. Their coach, Moses Adukwu is not also left out as he is nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
Edo Queens is among the eight shortlisted for the Club of the Year. A defeat of FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match will improve their honours chase.
Both teams met at the group stage and played a barren draw. A winner must emerge this Friday as both teams aim for a pdium finish.
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