Aigles de la Medina ready for AS FAR challenge

Aigles de la Medina coach, Mbayang Thiam is confident that her eagles can soar over tournament favourites, AS FAR when they open their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign this evening.

The debutants face the former champions and hosts of the tournament in a Group A opener this evening, as the two-week tournament officially gets underway in the north African nation.

Following their 2022 triumph, AS FAR are determined to fight their way to the top again after surrendering their title to current champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies last year.

The Senegalese side on the other hand look to cause an early upset against the former champions, with coach Thiam saying the team is very much capable of doing so despite the challenge of playing in front of a highly vocal crowd that will be behind the hosts.

"We are mentally prepared to overcome the challenge. They will be playing in front of their home fans which is a boost for them, but we are a determined side and not here to make up numbers but to do well”, said a confident Thiam.

Echoing the coach’s sentiments was star player, Sadigatou Diallo who said the eagerness and honour of competing in such a competition supersedes the pressure of playing against the former champions.

"Qualifying for the finals is something we have always wanted and worked hard. So yes, we are playing against a very good side but the eagerness to do well is an additional motivation and it will boost the players. The excitement dominates the pressure," she said.

AS FAR coach, Mohamed Amine Alioua says the team has put the 2022 disappointment behind them and go into the tournament with a newfound confidence, adding that they will not be taking the debutants lightly.

"During the 2022 edition in Côte d'Ivoire, we had an objective of getting our second title but unfortunately, this was not the case. We have put that behind us now and focused on the first fixture. Although this is our opponent's first participation, Aigles de la Médina are not a team to be taken lightly and we need to be on top of our game”, said Alioua.

This duel between the two sides brings together all the ingredients of a captivating confrontation, with two teams ready to give everything from the first whistle.

See all CAF Women’s Champions League fixtures and kick-off times HERE.