2026 CAF Women’s Champions League: Three reasons to follow the competition
With new contenders, high-profile signings, and AS FAR aiming to retain the title, the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League promises to be a fiercely contested tournament. Here is a look at what makes this edition so compelling.
The 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League is set to deliver unpredictable clashes and compelling new storylines. As several teams make their tournament debut, key figures in African women’s football will be looking to bolster their clubs' ambitions. Meanwhile, defending champions AS FAR will aim to reaffirm their continental dominance.
Newcomers in the Spotlight: FUS Rabat, Lekié FF, and Kawempe Muslim Put to the Test
Three teams will have a unique opportunity to make their mark. FUS Rabat, Lekié FF, and Kawempe Muslim are preparing for their first appearance in the final tournament of the CAF Women’s Champions League, with the ambition of shaking up the established order.
Having qualified through their respective zonal tournaments, these sides bring different strengths to the table—but they share a common goal: to turn their maiden continental experience into a memorable campaign. For these newcomers, every match will serve as a high-level test, as well as an opportunity to showcase new talent on the African stage.
Lekié FF can count on their Cameroonian international players, who were crowned African champions just last August. Yvana Makana, Charlène Meyong, and their teammates will be eager to carry that winning momentum forward and secure another title, this time in their club colors. In their first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League appearance, these Cameroonian players will have the chance to prove that the ambitions they demonstrated with their national team can translate to the continental club stage. Against more experienced teams, their ability to handle pressure and dictate the flow of play could quickly prove decisive, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the competition.
Stars of African women’s football join the party: Chebbak and Nchout Njoya take center stage
The tournament will also feature top-tier players, most notably Ghizlane Chebbak and Nchout Njoya—names that embody elite-level experience and are sure to draw significant attention.
A key figure in Moroccan football, Ghizlane Chebbak brings technical quality, tactical intelligence, and leadership. Her ability to orchestrate attacks and turn the tide of a match is a vital asset in a competition where the smallest details can make all the difference.
Meanwhile, Nchout Njoya—a standout name in Cameroonian football—brings a wealth of international experience and potent attacking ability. Her impact in the final third and her knack for stepping up in high-stakes moments could be pivotal to her team’s ambitions.
Their participation enhances the appeal of this year’s tournament, setting the stage for highly anticipated clashes between established stars and emerging talents.
AS FAR eyes back-to-back titles
As the reigning champions, AS FAR are on the verge of making history. Since the inception of the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021, no team has successfully defended its crown. The Moroccan side will look to break that trend and become the first club to win back-to-back titles.
For the "Militaries," it is not just about defending a title, but about proving they have the staying power to remain at the pinnacle of the game. Bolstered by their continental experience and a high-quality squad, AS FAR enter the tournament as a serious contender—though they will have little room for error. For behind it, the competition is gearing up. With ambitious teams, newcomers determined to pull off a surprise, and individual talents capable of making the difference, the race for the title promises to be wide open.