FUS Rabat face Ajara Nchout-inspired Lekié FF in CAF Women's Champions League opener
Morocco's FUS Rabat will begin their CAF Women's Champions League Egypt 2026 campaign against Cameroon's Lekié Football Filles on Sunday, with both debutants seeking an early advantage in a competitive Group A.
The encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia kicks off at 14h00 local time (12h00 GMT), with FUS arriving unbeaten in regional qualification and Lekié strengthened by the signing of Cameroon international Ajara Nchout Njoya.
Both clubs are appearing in the continental finals for the first time, but their contrasting strengths promise an intriguing contest.
FUS Rabat bank on attacking form
FUS qualified by winning all three matches in the UNAF tournament, scoring 14 goals and conceding just once.
Their victories included a 4-0 success over Algeria's CF Akbou, a 7-0 thrashing of Tunisia's ASF Sousse and a 3-1 win against Egyptian hosts FC Masar.
Burkina Faso forward Oumou Gnintegma will be among their attacking threats after scoring four goals during qualification, including a brace against Akbou.
Coach Mehdi El Qaichouri also brings valuable experience, having guided SC Casablanca to the 2023 final.
Goalkeeper Hasnae Ouhatte, named the best goalkeeper of the UNAF qualifiers, provides another important source of confidence.
Lekié look to Nchout's experience
Lekié coach Stéphane Ndzana has reinforced his squad with Nchout, the 33-year-old former Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan forward.
The Cameroonian side also possess a goalscoring threat in Brenda Tabe, who struck a hat-trick in their 7-0 qualifying victory over AC Colombe.
Ndzana prepared his squad through a two-week training camp, including two friendlies against a Cameroonian youth select side.
"We have prepared well," Ndzana said, expressing confidence in his players ahead of the opener.
Tight contest expected
FUS enter as slight favourites on recent qualifying form, but Nchout's experience could make Lekié dangerous in attack.
A 2-1 FUS Rabat victory is a plausible outcome, although a draw would be no surprise if Lekié contain the Moroccan side's forwards.
