CAF Women’s Champions League: How Africa opens doors to the World
Since its inception in 2021, the CAF Women’s Champions League has established itself as a major showcase for the continent’s talent. Beyond the pursuit of a continental title, the competition offers players a platform to make a name for themselves, earn individual accolades, and reach a new milestone in their careers. From Evelyn Badu—one of the tournament’s first breakout stars—to Merveille Kanjinga (now with Paris Saint-Germain), as well as Ibtissam Jraïdi, Sanaâ Mssoudy, and Habibou Ouédraogo, these five journeys illustrate the opportunities created by this continental stage.
Evelyn Badu: From African breakout star to Europe
Evelyn Badu was one of the first major breakout stars of the CAF Women’s Champions League. In 2021, at just 19 years old, the Ghanaian forward led Hasaacas Ladies to the final of the inaugural edition, while also claiming the awards for Best Player and Top Scorer (with five goals). Her performances quickly drew attention well beyond the continent. In December 2021, she signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Norwegian club Avaldsnes IL, marking a significant first step in her career abroad. Following several other club stints, she now plays in Canada for the Montreal Roses.
Ibtissam Jraïdi: A continental standout leads to Saudi Arabia
Moroccan forward Ibtissam Jraïdi left her mark on the 2022 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League while playing for AS FAR. As the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, she notably stood out by netting a hat-trick in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns, helping the Moroccan club secure its first continental title. Her performance also earned her several individual accolades during the competition. After nearly a decade with AS FAR; a period marked by numerous domestic titles, the Casablanca native moved to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia in December 2022. She quickly demonstrated her scoring prowess in her new league, finishing her debut season as the top scorer with 17 goals.
Sanaâ Mssoudy: Continental recognition
A cornerstone of AS FAR, Moroccan international Sanaâ Mssoudy saw her efforts rewarded on the continental stage. Following her contributions to the Rabat-based club’s success, she was named Interclub Player of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards. This award recognized her pivotal role in AS FAR’s campaign, which culminated in another continental title after defeating ASEC Mimosas in the 2025 final.
Now playing for FC Fleury 91 in France, Sanaâ Mssoudy is continuing her career beyond the African continent. Her trajectory highlights a different kind of impact: that of a player who, having established herself as a leading figure in African football, is now continuing her development on the European stage.
Habibou Ouédraogo: From ASEC Mimosas to Olympique de Marseille
Habibou Ouédraogo left her mark on the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, playing a key role in the historic run of ASEC Mimosas, who reached the final in their very first appearance. The Ivorian forward was named the tournament’s best player—an honor that recognized her performances and her influence on the Ivorian team’s style of play. Already prolific on the domestic stage—having finished as the top scorer in the Ivorian league for three consecutive seasons—she also earned her first call-ups to the national team in 2025. Her ascent continued in 2026 with her move from ASEC to French side Olympique de Marseille. This progression illustrates how a successful continental campaign can help a player advance toward a new professional challenge.
Merveille Kanjinga: From African Triumph to Paris Saint-Germain
A DR Congo international, Merveille Kanjinga reached a major milestone in January 2025 by joining French giants Paris Saint-Germain, following her role in TP Mazembe’s victory in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League. Developed at the Lubumbashi-based club, the forward established herself as a standout figure in Congolese football; in her first professional season (2021), she finished as the national league’s top scorer with 23 goals. Named the league’s best player in both 2022 and 2024, she also secured three league-and-cup doubles with Mazembe. Her arrival in Paris, coming on the heels of her continental title, marked a new chapter in her career. In June 2026, she extended her contract with the French club through 2030, cementing her place in the Parisian project.
