SK Brann seal Toppserien after beating Rosenborg 2-1. Valerenga virtually sealed second place with a 2-0 win. Rosenborg sit in third and most likely to finish there
BK Häcken moved to within a win of clinching the title in Sweden after defeating Linköping who are now 4pts behind Rosengård whom were held by bottom club Alingsås to a goalless draw. Hammarby move clear in 2nd with a excellent 4-0 win as Malmö suffered a 2-1 home loss to Piteå.
Sociedad sink Barcelona via a Edna Imade penalty. Real Madrid earned a narrow 1-0 at Espanyol. Barcelona’s lead is cut to 4pts, Real Madrid and Sociedad locked at 20 pts
Chelsea, City, Utd remains top 3 in FAWSL all earning wins at the weekend. Chelsea beat London City 2-0, City defeated West Ham 1-0, while United edged Brighton 3-2.
Lyon edge Paris FC 1-0 to remain 3pts clear of PSG who beat Le Havre 23, Bayern cruise against Essen 4-1 and remain 3pts clear of Wolfsburg who defeated Hoffenheim 2-1 with a stoppage time winner
Roma remain 100% in Italy a early 5pt gap over Napoli and Juventus.
Twente top Eredivisie Vrouwen after 5-0 win over Den Haag on goals scored from Ajax who also won 5-0 against
Benfica sweep aside Marítimo 5-0 as Sporting are defeated by Torreense to take a 3pt advantage in the standings
Hajduk Split top Croatia on goal differencial from Dinamo. Hajduk defeated Agram 2-0 while Dinamo beat Gorica 4-0.
Ludogorets hold a 4 pt advantage over NSA after a 2-0 win at Puldin in the Bulgárian Women’s Championship.
Austria Wien remain 5 pts clear of St Pölten after a 3-1 win over LASK while St Pölten defeated Sturm Graz 2-0
Sparta Praha hold a 5pt advantage in Czechia, Sparta beat Slovácko 2-0, while Slavia overcome Plzen 4-0
Metalist remain clear in Ukraine after a 5-0 win over Zhytomyr as Vorskla who have two games in hand sit 3 pts behind after a 1-0 win over Ladomir.
Valentina Giacinti earns Galatasaray a 1-0 win to remain top, Flourish Sabastine seals Fenerbahçe win, Fomget were held yesterday, Juliette Nana fires a hattrick in 9-2 win over Alg Spor.
Champions so far in 2025, Gintra, WFC Nike, Athlone, Riga FC, FC Flora, Glentoran, KI Klaksvikar, SK Brann, Breiðablik Dinamo Minsk, Aktobe, HJK Helsinki.
Wafcon 2026 sees two debutants in Malawi and Cabo Verde the tournament will be hosted by Morocco commencing March 17 to April 3 2026. Player release is set for March 9th.
Zambia cruised to the WAFCON 2026 with a dominant performance, Racheal Kundananji adding to her first leg hattrick with a close range effort from a corner. Eneless Phiri struck a beautiful goal on 33 minutes and Prisca Chilufya rounded off the scoring on 47 minutes.
Ethiopia 0-1 Tanzania Diana Lucas 15 Agg 0-3
Tanzania advanced to WAFCON 2026, with a well executed defence, and a excellent goal to seal the tie by Diana Lucas.
Malawi 2-0 Angola Faith Chinzimu 82 83
Faith Chinzimu late brace saw Malawi advance to WAFCON 2026, Angola missed a pk on 40 minutes hitting the post
Cameroun 0-1 Algeria Marine Dafeur 22
Algeria advance to WAFCON 2026 producing a excellent defence display foiling Cameroun, and a well taken Marine Dafeur goal.
Reigning Champions Nigeria sealed their spot in WAFCON 2026. Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring with a super header from a corner before Yasmine Djibril levelled the game with a sublime set peice.
Ghana qualify for the WAFCON 2026 , Doris Boaduwaa firing a treble to seal a dominant performance.
Gambia 0-1 Kenya Mwanahalima Adam Jereko 51 Aggregate 1-4
Kenya seal their spot in WAFCON 2026 with a 1-0 win with accontrolled performance Mwanahalima Adam Jereko striking the only goal of the game
Togo 0-1 Burkina Faso Adama Congo 45 +4 Agg 0-3
Adama Congo sealed Burkina Faso passage to WAFCON 2026 with a goal on the stroke of half time
South Africa 1-0 RD Congo Thembi Kgatlana 90+1 Agg 2-1
Thembi Kgatlana clinched South Africa’s place in WAFCON 2026 with a late winner, executing a cool finish after racing onto a through ball to ease the nerves in stoppage time in a tense encounter.
Cabo Verde 🇨🇻 sealed a great result to qualify for the WAFCON 2026., there first appearance in the tournament. Three rapid goals in 10 minutes put them on their way before Evy Pereira struck a clinical finish to make the score 4-1. Oumou Koné scored twice for a disappointing host.
Côte D’ivoire 0-0 Senegal Agg 0-0
Senegal Win on penalties 5-4
After 180 tense tight minutes that could not separate two well balanced teams Senegal prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shoot out to finalise the twelve teams for Morocco
As of now there is no official statement that the tournament will increase to 16 teams in the 2026 tournament despite many media outlets stating so after the last CAF meeting in Kinshasa.
Tense second leg ties await Tuesday with many games evenly poised for the right to join Host Morocco and Zambia who was lead by Racheal Kundananji who struck four goals in the 7-2 aggregate win over Namibia.
Ethiopia will look to create more opportunities after the first leg loss in Tanzania.
Likewise Malawi whom start the return 0-0, Angola rueing some openings to create more opting for quick shots going wide of the target.
Cameroun boosted by a late penalty seek to complete the job over Algeria who struck twice with excellent set peices, the host will need to be aware of challenges near the box.
Reigning champions cruised to a comfortable professional 2-0 win over neighbors Benin and in a strong position for the second leg.
Kenya take on Gambia with a 3-1 first leg lead confident of seeing out the tie in the return over a Gambia side who missed some very good technical players due to economic issues.
Burkina Faso head to Togo with a 2-0 advantage mostly in control of the opening leg and seek to produce a similair display.
Mali host Cabo Verde bouyed by a late win in the opening leg and head to Stade Mamadou Konate seeking to seal their spot in WAFCON 2026.
A tight end to end first leg saw South Africa and RD Congo play out a 1-1 draw with the tie evenly poised. Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Amogelang Motau and Sinoxolo Cesane are expected to be available for the second leg boosting the South African squad.
Côte D’ivoire will host Senegal with the first leg ending in stalemate another tight tense encounter is expected with Côte D’ivoire hoping to be urged on by the home crowd to qualify for the WAFCON 2026.
First Leg Results
The CAF Women’s Champions League produced a exciting draw with UNAF giants FC Masar and ASFAR pitted together in Group A together with 15 de Agosto and USFAS Bamako. In Group B holders TP Mazembe were placed against Côte D’ivoire and WAFU B champions ASEC Mimosas, Cosafa and Botswana champions Gabarone and Tanzanian Cecafa winners JKT Queens.
The tournament is set for November 8-21 in Egypt at two venues: the Suez Canal Stadium and the Right to Dream Stadium.
The Semi Finals being on November 18 and Third Place match and Final November 21.
This year’s CAF Women’s Champions League winners will receive USD 600,000, while the runners-up will take home USD 400,000.
The champions will also qualify for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup tournament facing Wuhan in December in the second round. The winner of that game qualifies for the Final 4 in London Jan 28-Feb 1, Where they would face Arsenal.
Group Schedule
Just two games took place over the weekend with JHB defeating Royal AM 2-1 and City Lads overcoming First Touch 2-1.
Reigning champions Zesco Ndola Girls moved to the top of the table with a 2-0 defeat of National Assembly in a rescheduled league match, Charity Mubanga and Mary Mbewe striking the decisive goals.
Lucy Kikeh struck a hattrick as Shaita Angels fired 7 past Falconets in a dominant display.
Nigerian striker, Joy Igbazanda scored her first goal of the season in the 5-1 triumph over Senior Female Professional, but it was Dalphine Glao who took the match ball striking a treble.
Abigail Amorh, Hawa fatomah, Victoria Watkins and Precious Daniel were on target as World Girls defeated Bushrod 4-0.
She Corporate remain top on goal differencial as goals from Rebecca Nakato and Jesca Namanda sealed a 2-0 win over Amus College. Kawempe Muslim also move to 10 pts as they edged Uganda Martyrs 1-0 with Jovia Nakagolo scoring the decisive goal.
Kampala Queens had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Asubo as Namboozo struck a stoppage time equaliser.
K4L won the top 2 duel 4-0 with Mawes to move onto 9pts, remaining leaders from LDF move to second also on 9pts from the opening 3 games
Khouloud Ournani struck a quintruple as CF Akbou ran amok against Alger Centre running out 13-0 winners. JS Kabylie likewise hit 13 against AC Biskra. Afak Relizane edged FC Bejaia 1-0, Khroub put 5 past Guelma.
Morocco, Zambia, Nigeria all advanced to the Second phase of the Fifa Women’s Under 17 WWC in Morocco. Eached produced excellent final group match performances to advance while gallant efforts saw Cameroun and Côte D’ivoire fall short in very difficult groups.
Morocco now face a huge battle against one of the tournaments favourites and highly talented DPR Korea.
Zambia face a buoyant Canada who topped Group D however they go into the tie on a high after a exceptional display to defeat New Zealand.
Nigeria also face a tough task when they face Italy who won Group A playing some excellent football. It will be a big test for the defence who will need to stay very focused and disciplined against a talented technical team and use their pace on attack at selected moments.
The CAF Women’s Champions League is set to be hosted by Egypt from November 8 to the 23rd pending a official statement from CAF.
It appears Cairo and Ismailia will host the matches.
Teams Qualified
CAF Women’s Champions League 2025
TP Mazembe (title holder)
USFAS
Gabarone
ASEC Mimosas
ASFAR
JKT Queens
15 De Agosto
FC Masar of Egypt should be announced as the 8th team being runners up in UNAF Qualifying.
Kenyan Assistant Referee Elizabeth Njoroge is one referee selected to officiate at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
Njoroge ,who earned her FIFA Badge in January 2025,will undergo the referees preparation course for the tournament from 3rd to 7th November in Cairo alongside 41 other Referees from across the African Continent.
Malawi suffered a blow ahead of their WAFCON 2026 second round Qualifying clash against Angola. Temwa left her NWSL match against Houston Dash with a hamstring injury with the full extent to be confirmed by her club Kansas City Current where she is having a exemplary season with 15 goals leading her club to the Shield. She had been expected to join the camp on Tuesday.
She Corporate sit top of the Fufa Women’s Super League after round 3, as they defeated Asubo 2-0 joined on 7pts by Kampala Queens who put 5 past Rines with Zaitun Namaganda and Kamiyati Naigaga each scoring twice. Kawempe edged St Noa 2-1 and also have 7pts in early proceedings.
Kick 4 Life defeated LMPS 2-0 to open the campaign with successive victories, likewise LDF who are determined to regain the title this year narrowly defeated Lijabatho 1-0.
Liberia giants clashed in the opening round of the season however Determine Girls and Shaita Angels played out a Stalemate goalless draw. Small Town opened their campaign rattling 6 past Kneeling Warriors.
Mamelodi close in on the title remaining 8 points clear with another emphatic victory as they defeated JHB 5-0 with Isabella Ludwig firing a hattrick. TS Galaxy defeated Richmond 3-1 to remain second currently can reach a maximum 72pts. Mamelodi sit on 62 with 6 games remaining. Fort Hare sit in third having played 28 games easing to a 4-0 win over TUT.
Champions CF Akbou put pre season issues behind them as they opened the season with a impressive emphatic 5-1 win over JS Kabylie with Afak Houria striking a hattrick. Afak Relizane had a convincing 3-0 win over JF Khroub as Setif downed Alger Centre 3-1.
Yolande Gnammi fired a hattrick to keep ASFAR on top through goal differencial as they dominated ALAMFF running out to a 4-0 win. WAC remain level on 18pts with the leaders as Zineb Hamid struck the match winner in the 44th minute to defeat PFAM 2-1
The top two clash in Côte D’ivoire as Atletico and ASEC played out a exciting 2-2 draw. Fofana Karidia 7′ 65′ scoring for the host while Ami Diallo continued her impact with a brace on 5 and 70 minutes. Stella defeated Juventus 4-2 to come remain third.
Nchanga thwarted Green Eagles opportunity to top the table as Lungowe Namasiku struck in the 48th minute to earn a 1-0 victory. Late goals from Mary Mukupa and Mary Mabwe saw Red Arrows beat Nkwazi 3-1 and move into second position. Green Buffaloes, Zesco Ndola were out of action.
Police Ladies opened the Ghana Women’s season defeating Faith Ladies 2-0 in the Champions of Champions clash. Philicity Asuako broke the deadlock on 33 minutes with Deborah Afriyie sealing the win on 73 minutes.
In Rwanda Champions Rayon opened their campaign thrashing Inyamera 8-0, Scholastique Gikundiro struck a hattrick, Dudja Umwall Uwase a brace, Emelyne Mukagatete, Jeanette Ukwinkunda and Coralle Eyeang Nguema rounding off the scoring. AS Kigali were held to a goalless draw by APR.
Nouhaila Benzina struck a brace as ASFAR swept aside HST to move to the top in Morocco, edging WAC on goal differencial whom defeated FUS 3-2 to also remain 100% in the championship. SC Casablanca moved up to 4th with a 3-1 succes over ALAMFF.
St Noa Girls served notice with a second impressive performance as they defeated Lady Doves 3-2. Champions Kampala defeated Makerere 2-1 as Kawempe Muslim overcome Olila 3-1.
Police Bullets saw off Zetech with ease with a 3-0 victory. However it is Ulinzi Starlets Ulinzi Starlets who moved 2 games away from equalling Vihiga Queen’s Longest Unbeaten Streak in the FKF Women’s Premier League with a 4-0 win over Kisped. Vihiga Queens downed Kibera 3-1 Airin Madalina striking a brace. Valerie Nekesa hit the target once again in a 2-2 draw with Kisumu.
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their stroll to the Hollywoodbets Super League with another dominant performance as they eased to a 5-0 win against Pretoria. TS Galaxy earned a narrow 1-0 win over TUT to return to second spot.
Ruth Chinyama struck a 70th minute equaliser as Trident Queens held leaders to a 1-1 draw, Natasha Nanyangwe had given the host a early advantage. Rachael Moono struck a brace including a stoppage time winner to give Green Eagles a 2-1 win against Amazing Grace. Zesco Ndola continue to move up the table with a 6th successive win as Avell Chitundu struck from close range to give the defending champions a late 1-0 win over Zanaco in a tough encounter.
Mphatso Gondwe’s 23rd minute strike proved to be the winner as Silver Strikers earned a seventh successive victory edging Civil Service 2-1. Ascent remains second with a 2-0 win over MDF
N’Guessan Nadège struck twice as WAFU B champions ASEC swept aside Yakro 5-0. Leaders Athletico edged Mouna 2-1 with goals from Karidia Fofana and Rahamatou Traoré.
In the opening round champions Kick 4 Life opened the season with a 7-0 thrashing of Mphaki. Goals came from Namane 2 (10, 29) Ts’oinyana 2 (20, 36) Lesaoana (35), Motloheloa (51) and Molefe (74) . LDF Ladies narrowly defeated Berea 1-0.
Tanzania 🇹🇿 Women’s Community Shield
JKT Queens won the community shield defeating Simba Queens 2-1 In the final, starlet Winifrida Gerald opened the scoring before Asha Omary put in her own net. Zawadi Usanase struck a late goal with the last kick of the game.
Final JKT Queens 2-1 Simba Winifrida Gerald 13 Asha Omary Og 18
Zawadi Usanase 90+4
Third place match Yanga 3-0 Mashujaa Jennine Mukandayisenga x2 Aragesh Kalsa
CAF announced the expansion of Wafcon 2026 from 12 to 16 teams , since late August the proposal had been on the table, however there are still no details of how the four extra slots from the eleven second round losers would be played out.
As CAF Women’s Champions League 2025 approaches with the tournament set to commence on November 8, the host has yet to be confirmed. However this is set to be announced in the coming days. It is believed Egypt, South Africa are among the bids to host the tournament.
Hasnath Ubamba opened the scoring and a Hala Abdelsamad brace to lead FC Masar to a 3-2 win over Al Alhy in the clash of the top two in the 2024-25 season.
Chapungu edged Correctional 1-0 to remain top in Zimbabwe while a 17th minute goal from Praynance kept reigning champions Herentals a point behind in the log with a game in hand.
Nadia Lftah brace kept WAC top on goal differencial from ASFAR as they defeated AMLFF 2-0, Sanaa Mssoudy struck twice for the reigning champions as ASFAR dominated the opening 45 in a 3-0 win over SC Casablanca. FUS remains 100% with Salimata Diarra pouncing on 6 minutes after a goal mouth scramble.
Salimata Simpore struck 5 as Stella FC crushed lowly Koria 18-0.
Ouedraogo Habibou fired a hattrick, Diallo Ami a brace and a Diawara Mariam effort lead ASEC to a comfortable 6-0 win over Inter.
Silver Strikers opened a 5pt gap at the top of the NBM Women’s Premiership with Deborah Henry striking a double in a 3-1 win over Kukoma Ntopwa. Ascent Academy were frustrated by MK Academy as the pair played out a goalless draw.
Agness Phiri’s 33rd minute strike kept Green Buffaloes top in Zambia edging Kamfinsa 1-0. Green Eagles moved to second overcoming Elite 2-0. Reigning champions Zesco swept aside Nchanga 6-0 moving up to 5th spot with two games in hand.
Mamelodi Sundowns storm 7pts clear with a hattrick from Refilwe Tholakele striking on 22′ 32′ and 83 minutes in the clash of the round against TS Galaxy whose recent form has descended with the champions taking full advantage.
Fort Hare move into second place on 49pts overcoming Richmond 2-1
Purity Alukwe earned reigning champions Kenya Police Bullets a 2-1 opening day victory over Kayole Starlets. Starlet Valerie Nekesa fired a brace as Soccer Assassin’s defeated newcomers Gideon 2-0. Vihiga eased to a 3-0 win over Bungoma.
St Noa were denied a opening round victory as Shayline Opisa struck a 90+10 minute equaliser for Amus College. Recent power houses Kawempe and Kampala played out a 1-1 draw to start the campaign in a tense hard fought duel. Norah Alupo and Lillian Mutuuzo struck doubles as She Maroons swept aside Asubo 5-0.
15 de Agosto Uniffac CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying champions
15 de Agosto claimed the last regional Qualifying spot defeating Ebolowa 3-0 with a flawless display to edge out the Cameroun outfit in the final match round. Anna María Nchama sealed the win rounding off a excellent move in the 86th minute with calmness that sent the locals into ruptures of delight.
The following teams will compete in the CAF Women’s Champions League in November at a venue still to be confirmed, with the tournament winner advancing to the Fifa Women’s World Club Cup tournament which commences next week with the opening Preliminary Round Match.
CAF Women’s Champions League 2025 TP Mazembe 🇨🇩 (title holder) USFAS 🇲🇱 Gabarone 🇧🇼 ASEC Mimosas 🇨🇮 ASFAR 🇲🇦 JKT Queens 🇹🇿 15 De Agosto 🇬🇶
Host Tba
CAF Women’s Under 20 WWC Qualifying Round 2
Uganda proved to strong over both legs against Namibia running out 5-0 Aggregate winners.
Malawi overcame a resolute South Sudan side, Enelesi Fabiano striking a decisive goal to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Egypt bounced back from a first leg defecit with a Habiba Biktash brace sending the UNAF outfit to the third qualifying round.
Romaine Gandonou was the starlet for Benin scoring 7 of the 9 goals in two entertaining duels with Guinea as Benin ran out 9-4 aggregate winners.
South Africa dominated Eswatini 9-0 over the two legs to advance for a stiff test against Ghana.
Mercy Chipasula strike on the stroke of half time sealed Zambia’s 4-1 success over the two games against Burundi to advance to face Uganda.
Tanzania cruised to a 7-0 overall win over Angola, great talent Winifrida Gerald striking twice in the first game and a goal in the return leg inspiring the success.
Nigeria powered their way to a 4-0 second leg win against Rwanda to earn a 5-0 Aggregate win and a third qualifying round clash against Senegal.
Cameroun showed no mercy in a 18-0 aggregate demolition of Niger with two powerful determined displays, they move on to face Botswana.
Senegal were too strong for Algeria with two dominant displays in a 6-0 aggregate succes as they now prepare to face Nigeria next February in the third qualifying round.
Kenya produced a stunning second leg performance as they beat Ethiopia 4-0 (5-1) Valerie Nekesa leading the charge with a 4th minute strike which saw the host take control.
Mmabatho Serokane early strike sealed Botswana’s passage to the next round despite a superbly executed strike as Botswana advanced to face Cameroun 3-1 on aggregate
Mercy Attobrah and Agnes Yeboah saw Ghana to a 2-0 second leg win over Ghana doubling the aggregate score. Ghana next face South Africa.
Côte D’ivoire produced two powerful performances to defeat Morocco 6-4 on aggregate though two late goals conceded after being reduced a player could not deflect from the dominant performance ensuring a third round clash with RD Congo.
RD Congo advanced after Mali withdrew from the second leg with the tie poised at 1-1 citing circumstances
Guiné-Bissau advanced after Congo retired from the Qualifying process they next face Malawi.
CAF Women’s Under 20 WWC Qualifying Round 3 ties
Mamelodi Sundowns took a grip on Hollywoodbets Women’s Super League with a dominant 5-1 win over TUT as TS Galaxy faltered to a second draw in 4 days.
A Safa Banouk brace lead ASFAR to a 3-0 win over ITFF in the third round of the championship campaign remaining 100%. Soukaina Boujja fired a dramatic 90+5 minute winner for SC Casablanca to turnaround a 0-1 interval defecit against HST. Fatou Diop and Douha Ahmamou efforts earned UTS a valuable 2-0 win over PFAM. WAC defeated last seasons runner up RSB Berkane 3-1 to top the standings on goal differencial from ASFAR both have 9pts. Berkane are still winless in 3 games with 1pt.
Côte D’ivoire D1 Feminine Results of the third round
Abroad
Saratou Traoré struck the second goal for Beijing who sealed the title in the Chinese Women’s Super League in a showdown with Liaoning, Beijing won 4-0 to snatch the title on the last day of the season, Liaoning had entered the game only requiring a point. We do not forget the early season contribution of Fridah Mukoma who Beijing lost to injury in the second part of the season who had been in great individual form inspiring victories leading to the title.
Esther Okoronkwo assisted Toronto to the NSL Championship Shield defeating Ottawa 1-0.
Gift Monday struck the fastest hattrick from the start of a match completing her treble in the 36th minute. 18 minutes from opening the scoring to her third well short of Ludmila’s 10 minute hattrick for Chicago earlier in the season.
Temwa Chawinga struck her 14th goal of the campaign as Shield Winner Kansas City dominated Chicago 4-1, Temwa moves to the top of the scoring chart one ahead of Esther.
In France Tabitha Chawinga rounded off a 6-1 win for OL Lyonnes over PSG.
Mama Diop struck a brace for Strasbourg who stormed to a 4-0 win at Dijon
Joy Omewa was again on target for Fortuna Hjørring in a 2-0 win over Odense. Hjørring move to second 3pts behind leaders Køge who have 18pts.
Uganda 🇺🇬 advance to face Burundi 🇧🇮 or Zambia 🇿🇲 next February
Goals from Peace Muduwa and Agnes Nabukenya saw Uganda ease through to the third qualifying round next February, joining Guinea-Bissau who received a walkover following the withdrawal of Congo.
A dominant first half from Green Buffaloes who announced the signing of Rachael Nachula saw them end Green Eagles unbeaten start, Beatrice Fwamba, Natasha Nanyangwe and Agness Phiri striking the goals.
Red Arrows moved to second Mary Membwe striking and the decisive goal in a 2-1 win at Nchanga.
Champions Zesco recorded their first win of the season edging newly promoted Amazing Grace 2-1, Marjory Mulenga scoring the match winner. Though the match was only Zesco’s second league game of the campaign following their participation in Cosafa CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying.
Mamelodi remain a point clear of TS Galaxy as they cruised to a 4-0 win over First Touch. Refilwe Tholakele, a brace from Nthabiseng Majiya and a Munashe Mugrawa effort earned Sundowns the points. TS Galaxy edged Durban courtesy of a Gontse Homba strike in the second half.
Champions ASFAR defeated AMLFF 3-1 Doha El Madani, Nouhaila Benzina and Sanaa Mssoudy striking the goals against the Layoune outfit for whom Abir Choab had reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time. SCC earned their first win under Jerry Tshabalala as they beat ITFF 2-0 Chirine Knaidil and Sylviane Kokora struck.
FUS downed RS Berkane in a 5 goal thriller Imène El Ghazouani 66th minute effort being decisive. A Nadía Lftah brace and a Hajar Jbilou goal lead WAC to a 3-1 win over UTS.
Phoenix enjoyed a excellent 1-0 win over ALAMFF as Nouhaila Jami struck the winner and ARAFF defeated HST 3-2, all the goals in a dramatic first half.
Habiba Ouédraogo continued her great scoring form that lead ASEC to the title last season as the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying champions destroyed AFAN 14-0. Ami Diallo and Minouzan each struck quadruples in the demolition.
Morocco the host and runners up of the previous edition in 2022 retain many veterans who enter the tournament in good form particularly striker Ibtissam Jraïdi who scored 6 goals in 4 Morocco Preperation matches and remains a key player around fellow veterans Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout and Sanaa Mssoudy to unlock defences. The host also look to Sakina Ouzraoui, Kenza Chapelle, Sarah Kassi to provide relatively youth spark. The defensive issues remains suspect particularly when stretched from deep and run at directly with pace, Hanane Ait El Haj, Zineb Redouaini, Sabah Seghir and Co set up well aiming to frustrate lying deep to combat this, once again the host will aim to be inspired by the home crowd and go very deep into the tournament though they do have a tricky group with a tough opening game against Zambia.
Zambia As we know possess a very powerful forward line on its day with pace to burn any defence particularly breaking from deep with Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Fridah Mukoma all in excellent club form with the likes of Grace Chanda being a key link to provide the forward line with the ammunition along with Prisca Chilufya, Kabange Mupopo. However the defence remains suspect regularly conceding at least 2 goals what is becoming the usual question how firm can they stay at the back particularly as the tournament advances to build on the third place of the last tournament in 2022.
Senegal League champions Aigles de la Médina provide 8 of the squad and enter the tournament confident having defeated Algeria 3-0 in a Preperation match. They will look to the likes of Korka Fall, Hapsatou Diallo, Mama Diop to pose the attacking threat with a defence led by the likes of Aissata Fall, Mareme Babou and a youth of Sagdiata Diallo looking to frustrate opposing midfield. Pitted in a tough group they will aim to surprise with strong teamwork.
RD Congo posses some good talents with the likes of Ruth Kipoyi, Merveille Kanjinga, Naomie Kabakaba who can pose a threat to all teams. RD come inspired by the performance of TP Mazembe in the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2024 emerging champions with now 4 of that particular squad remaining in the WNT. They are capable of setting up to frustrate looking to the likes of experienced Belange Vukuru, Aimeraude Mawanda to marshall the defence. Results leading to the tournament may not inspire but they prepare well and look to up the game they are capable of and like Senegal aim to surprise.
Group B
Nigeria the 9 time champions and big favourites to regain the title enter the tournament with a draw in Portugal and defeating Ghana. There is no doubt that the squad is the deepest quality with the level of league football played regularly and also element of surprises in the final list with the likes of Gift Monday ommitted. They will be led by Rasheedat Ajibade who is a huge danger in the tournament to all providing and goal scoring capabilities is the player other teams will look to annul. Nigeria also look to veterans Michelle Alozie, Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala to unlock defences as the tournament progresses in which in recent times has struggled once in the Semi Final stages in fact it is 2016 a Nigeria player itself scored at this stage and beyond. In midfield they possess players who can disrupt the opposition in Christie Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun while Onyi Echegini can also provide vital passes and link up to the forward line. A pretty strong defense remains who proved at the fifa women’s world cup in 2023 they will be hard to break down. Maybe a lesson learned in the previous edition where they finished fourth and enter the tournament a determined voice they are here to win. Again teams will set up to frustrate as the tournament goes on.
Tunisia, Like host Morocco some very good technical players and a team effort to overcome lack of pace, they will look to the midfield link where the excellent Sabine Ellouzi provides a strong link to the forward line with the dangerous Mariam Houij. Ghada Ayadi will be another key player to provide a spark. The defensive aspect is pretty youthful and the experience of the likes of Chaima Allabassi to marshall the back line who will be severely tested.
Algeria aim to advance out of the group phase capable of very good technical football and in Ghouthia Karchouni possess a strong weapon to link the central line to the forward line and a dangerous shot from outside the box along with Lina Boussaha through to the likes of Naïma Bouhani. Coach Benstitiwill have his troops well marshalled and look for the likes of Morgane Belkhiter and Marine Dafeur to perform to the level they can do and provide a solid spine to the team.
Botswana enter the tournament on a high and in the recent three nations tournament showed defensive capabilities frustrating both South Africa and Zambia holding the latter to a draw with solid tactical play which if they can keep up can be very capable of progressing from the group stage. Building on a stronger team effort in defense the likes of Lesego Radiakanyo , Laone Moloi, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse are very capable of giving opposing defences issues. Strong team spirit and mentality is key to how they progress.
South Africa reigning champions of 2022 edition will be missing crucial player Thembi Kgatlana therefore will be looking to the likes of Jermaine Seopesenwe, Hildah Magaia, Adrielle Mibe to inspire the attack with Linda Mthalo, Gabriela Salgado, Noxolo Cesane, Bongeka Gamede, Nonhlanhla Mthandi Refiloe Jane providing among others a solid spine to the squad that usually rises to the tournament environment and look to put a solid defence of their title and put the off the pitch issues behind them once play begins.
Ghana possess very good talents it is coming together gelling as a unit and showing its potential. They will be lead by inform Doris Boaduwaa who possessed a high work rate for her club with the likes of Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea they are capable of posing a threat with Evelyn Badu, Stella Nyamekye adding prowess from the midfield. Jennifer Cudjoe is capable of providing solid DM displays to assist the defence with the talented Comfort Yeboah, experience of Ernestina Ambabila the squad list on paper has lots of potential to prove they can be a power again in the region and build on great efforts back home in the Women’s game. They are certainly one of the favourites to advance to the Quarter Final and with the draw aim for the final 4.
Mali, a strong forward line lead by Aissata Traoré, Agueissa Diarra, Oumou Kone capable of posing threat with strong running and pace. Saratou Traoré in fine Club form with Wuhan poses a additional threat from midfield along with Salamatu Diarra a solid season with RS Berkane. The concern will be as with alot of teams in the tournament how solid they can remain at the back and also to produce three solid performances as a team, Teninsoun Sissoko will have a crucial role marshalling the defence. A tough group however to progress even to be one of the best third places but will be difficult opposition all the same.
Tanzania No doubt they possess some talents with Opah Clement, Clara Luvanga, Diana Lucas , Stumai Abdallah and great youth talent Winifrida Gerald but the team overall can be frail in midfield and defence and squander opportunities. Being in a very tough group it will take a huge team effort but there will be no shortage of effort and togetherness to aim to surprise and use the tournament to continue to build for the future.
CAF raised the prize money 100% to the tournament, the winners earning $1 million
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