“Our target is nothing but the title” – FC Masar midfielder Yasmin Abdel Aziz

FC Masar are making their third CAF Women’s Champions League when Egypt hosts the 2026 edition in Ismailia, and for midfielder Yasmin Abdel Aziz, they are targeting nothing but the title itself.

The Egyptian champions fell short from qualification when they finished second in North African (UNAF) zonal qualifiers. After beating Tunisia’s ASF Sousse and Algeria’s CF Akbou 9-0 and 5-0 respectively, FC Masar lost to Morocco’s FUS Rabat 3-1 to leave them the zone’s lone qualification ticket.

But it was second time lucky for FC Masar when Egypt was handed the organization rights, to allow them their third appearance in the continental women clubs’ showpiece. 

“Playing the CAF Women’s Champions League for the third time is different. Every time we gain more experience, and I believe this gives us bigger chances”, Abdel Aziz told CAFOnline.com.

FC Masar finished third when they had the debut in the 2024 edition in Morocco, a feat that remains the best in Egyptian women football history. They reached the semifinals once again last year in Egypt but couldn’t repeat their feat finishing in fourth place.

“This time our target is the title itself. We want to play in the FIFA Women World Cup”, she added ambitiously. “It’s a very good point that we play in Egypt, and this gives us motivation to do the best we can to achieve something big at home”.

For Yasmine, the CAF Women’s Champions League is a huge milestone in the development of African women football. “I believe this tournament has a huge role with African women footballers. Many of them went to play abroad because of the Champions League, and what I see is that it develops remarkably from one edition to another”, she explained.

FC Masar were drawn in Group A alongside FUS Rabat, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Cameroon’s Lekie FF, and will kick-off their campaign against two-time champions Sundowns. “We must take one game at a time. Every team in the Champions League deserves to be here. But if I am to pick one favorite it could be AS FAR as they are the holders and twice champions”, added Yasmine.

“We would like to thank CAF for developing this tournament, and those who are responsible for women football in Egypt for their support. I also want to thank our management in FC Masar because they give us a lot of support and confidence and this drives us far”, Abdel Aziz concluded.

The 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League takes place from 1-15 November in Ismailia, Egypt.