AS FAR Clinch Second African Women’s Champions League Crown in Dramatic Penalty-Fueled Final
Source: BBC Sport
In a tense and dramatic final, Morocco’s AS FAR reclaimed the African Women’s Champions League title, defeating debutants ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast 2-1 in a match ultimately decided from the penalty spot. The victory in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, marks the club’s second continental triumph, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in women’s club football on the continent.
A Tale of Two Penalties Seals the Deal
The match’s narrative was heavily influenced by set-piece drama. AS FAR drew first blood in the 13th minute when Hanane Ait El Haj coolly converted a penalty after a foul on teammate Safa Banouk. The Moroccan side controlled much of the first half, but ASEC Mimosas emerged from the break with renewed vigor.
Their persistence paid off ten minutes into the second half, as Ami Priscal Diallo powered a superb header into the net, leveling the score and setting the stage for a frantic finale. Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, AS FAR was awarded a second penalty following a reckless challenge. With immense pressure, Zineb Redouani stepped up and slotted home the 85th-minute winner, delivering the decisive blow.
Beyond the Final Whistle: What This Victory Means
This victory is more than just a second trophy for AS FAR; it is a significant milestone for Moroccan and North African football. By joining South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns as the only two-time winners of the competition, AS FAR has cemented a North-South rivalry that is driving the quality and visibility of the women’s game across Africa.
The win also underscores the growing tactical discipline and mental fortitude of clubs in the region, able to win high-stakes matches on hostile ground. The dramatic nature of the victory, sealed in the closing minutes, demonstrates a championship pedigree that will make them a benchmark for other clubs.
The Road Ahead: A Shot at Global Glory
The immediate reward for AS FAR extends beyond continental bragging rights. The club has now earned the right to face China’s Wuhan Jiangda in a single-match playoff for a place in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
This presents a monumental opportunity. A victory against Wuhan would pit the Moroccan champions against European giants Arsenal in the semi-finals of the global tournament, offering an unprecedented platform to test themselves against the world’s best and showcase the rising standard of African women’s club football on the international stage.
For ASEC Mimosas, the journey ends in heartbreak but not in failure. As finalists in their debut campaign, the Ivorian club has announced itself as a formidable new force. Their performance, pushing the experienced AS FAR to the limit, signals a positive and competitive future for the tournament, expanding its reach beyond traditional strongholds.