CAF Women's Champions League Countdown: AS FAR seek to impress in front of expectant home fans

CAFOnline.com’s countdown to the CAF Women's Champions League, Morocco 2024, begins today, with former champions AS FAR looking to impress the home fans when the tournament kicks off in seven days.

The Moroccan supporters will eagerly follow the action as 2022 champions AS FAR strive to replicate the performance that brought them the title two seasons ago.

The competition, running from 9–23 November, brings the added pressure of playing in front of an expectant home crowd, with hopes that the trophy will remain in North Africa.

Last year, two Moroccan clubs, AS FAR and Sporting Club de Casablanca, proudly represented the country, reflecting the growth of women's football in Morocco.

AS FAR entered that edition in Côte d'Ivoire as reigning African champions, having lifted the trophy on home soil with a commanding 4-0 win over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2022 final.

The Rabat-based club, however, was affected by several changes, including the departure of top scorer Ibtissam Jraidi, who left to play in Saudi Arabia.

This transition saw coach Mohamed Amine Alioua incorporate young talents while retaining experienced players like Ghizlane Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout.

The Moroccans faced a tough test against Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa, losing 2-1, but soon found their rhythm, overcoming Huracanes and AS Mandé to advance to the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, SC Casablanca made their debut in Côte d'Ivoire, managing a 1-1 draw against hosts Atlético d’Abidjan before a narrow 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

They then secured a 4-1 victory over JKT Queens, advancing to the knockout rounds.

For the first time in tournament history, two clubs from the same country reached the semi-finals, where AS FAR faced rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

A strong performance from Boitumelo Rabale, who scored twice, ended AS FAR's campaign, with the Rabat club settling for a bronze medal.

This year, South Africa aims to emulate Morocco's success, hoping to field two semi-finalists in Mamelodi Sundowns and the University of the Western Cape.