Defending champions, AS Far to meet Sundowns in CAFWCL semi-finals

Defending champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League managed to retain their chances of defending their title after a 2-0 victory over Mali’s AS Mande saw them finish Group B equal on six points with Ampem to secure a place in the semi-finals.

An unfortunate own goal by Fatou Dembele in the 5th minute plus a well converted penalty in the 37th minute by Fatima Tagnaout meant the north African nation finish the group stage campaign with six points, equal with Ampem Darkoa of Ghana who have a better goal difference.

The results means there will be a north vs south clash in the semi-finals when the defending champions meet last season’s silver-medallists, Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening.

With their backs against the wall following a nervy start to the competition, the defending champions seems to have finally found the rhythm to set up what promises to be an exciting clash against the South Africans.

This is what the coaches had to say:  

Mohamed Amine Alioua, coach of AS Far

"We are not thinking about the match against the Mamelodi Sundowns, we are going to recover and prepare for this match. We have qualified and that is the most important thing. It is clear, it is the state of mind and the determination which made the difference. There was no pressure, but big respect for the opponent. We didn't want to think much about the previous matches and I thank AS Mandé for their rivalry and their state of mind on the pitch”.

Moustapha Traoré, coach of AS Mandé

"We have to admit that today we played badly. We played badly and we lost. It's a good tournament and we will ask the authorities to increase the number of teams so that we can attempt to reach the quarter-finals , the semi-finals and perhaps final. There was no cohesion today and I'm in pain”.