Athletico Abidjan to open a new era of Ivorian football
● First participation in the CAF Women's Champions League
● The Ivorians are in Group A with Casablanca, JKT Queens and Mamelodi Sundowns
● The tournament runs between 05 – 19 November
With the elimination of the women’s national team from the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 and 2024 Olympic Games, Athletico Abidjan represents the ultimate hope for the women’s game in Cote d’Ivoire.
Champions of the domestic league, Athletico Abidjan enjoyed an exceptional season that saw them impressively finish undefeated with 17 victories and a draw.
For their first participation, President Abdul Fatai's side are drawn in Group A as tournament hosts where they will meet Casablanca SC, JKT Queens and Mamelodi Sundowns in the group stages of the third edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Abidjan Athletic's matches in the first round of the Women's Champions League
- Sunday, 05 November
Athletico Abidjan vs Casablanca, 17h00 GMT, Korhogo Stadium
- Wednesday, 08 November
Athletico Abidjan - JKT Queens, 5:00 p.m. GMT, Korhogo Stadium
- Saturday, 11 November
Mamelodi Sundowns - Athletico Abidjan, 20:00 GMT, Korhogo Stadium
How did Athletico Abidjan qualify for the Champions League?
Athletico Abidjan qualified for this tournament as the champions of the 2022/23 season of the Ivorian championship, representing the host country of the competition.
The coach: Dominique Blin
Crowned best coach for women's football during the Des Etoiles Du Football Ivoirian ceremony in 2022, Dominique Blin is a tactician who enjoys a 4-3-3 formation based on a on an evenly balanced approach with a slightly advancing backline.
Blin is a demanding coach who imposes high pressing as well as sustained activity, which results in long runs.
Key Player: Estelle Gnaly
An offensive and highly creative midfielder, Estelle Gnaly is one of the best readers of the game with an exceptional first tough that sets her up for her good and enterprising play.
With exceptional technical mastery, her ability to orient herself in relation to the ball and offer solutions to for her teammates and clinical passing game distinguishes her from the rest.
Dominique Blin, the team's coach, even speaks of an "ability to oxygenate the game" and "make others better".
