CAF Women’s Champions League: North African derby set to light up Ismailia
The CAF Women’s Champions League opens with a heavyweight meeting on Saturday as Egypt’s FC Masar host Morocco’s AS FAR at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
The Group A curtain-raiser brings together last season’s third-placed side and the 2022 champions, a reprise of the 2024 semi-final won 2-1 by AS FAR.
The stakes are immediate: early momentum in a compact group phase, bragging rights in a North African rivalry, and a statement of intent in the fifth edition of the tournament.
Kick-off is at 18:00 local time.
The dream of a home triumph
For FC Masar, the storyline is simple—turn home support into results. Head coach Abd El Rahman Ayed said his side intend to start fast and use the occasion to set the tone for a title push.
“We are very excited to play at home, in front of our people and friends,” Ayed told reporters.
“We know it will be a big battle, especially against an experienced team like AS FAR. But we are confident. The fans and our own pitch must drive us to give our best.”
Captain Amira Mohamed echoed the ambition after last season’s podium finish.
“This competition has a special taste for us. After third place last year, we have learned and grown, and now we aim higher,” she said.
“Every match counts, and starting strong at home would be the best message we can send.”
Masar’s maturity and defensive steel underpin their plan, while a well-rehearsed front line will test a Moroccan back unit renowned for its discipline.
AS FAR: experience as a weapon
AS FAR arrive with pedigree and continuity—finalists in 2024 and champions in 2022—and their objective is unchanged: reclaim the continental crown.
“It is an honour and a responsibility to be the only club to have played in all five editions of the Women’s Champions League,” head coach Mohamed Amine Alioua said.
“That reflects the club’s consistency and the work across the team. Beyond pride, it obliges us to keep very high standards.”
Veteran captain Najat Badri underlined the respect for the hosts.
“We know FC Masar well. We met them in the UNAF qualifiers and we know how solid, disciplined and expressive they are,” she noted. “It will be a difficult but motivating match.”
She added with a smile: “We like coming to Egypt. The welcome is always warm, the atmosphere is wonderful, and it makes you want to push yourself.”
Watch FC Masar v AS FAR on CAF TV
Clash of styles and identities
Beyond the rivalry, the game promises a contrast in approaches. Masar favour vertical play, fast combinations and transition attacks; AS FAR lean on technical control, structured passing patterns and a defence rarely breached.
Alioua acknowledged the magnitude: “It is probably a premature clash between two major Arab teams. It’s a pity it comes so early, but for the public it’s a bonus—two of the continent’s best on the same field.”
The Moroccans carry the assurance of a seasoned core with international experience, but must navigate a stadium firmly behind the home side.
A hint of revenge—and of promise
Masar’s audacity in their debut campaign surprised many; this time, they carry the weight of expectation.
The Egyptians are no longer outsiders but credible contenders. For AS FAR, the message is equally clear: convert last year’s near-miss into a renewed title charge.
On the eve of kick-off, mutual respect mixed with competitive tension.
“We know what AS FAR represent,” Ayed concluded.
“But we believe in our project and our players, and we are ready to write a new page of our history.”
Kick-off: Saturday, 18:00 (local), Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia. An opening fixture rich in passion, technique and pride.