SC Casablanca book maiden semi-final spot with commanding win over JKT Queens
Sporting Club Casablanca-JKT Queens: 4-1
Goals: Meryem Hajri 30th, Chaymaa Mourtaji 39th, N'Guessan Nadège Koffi 45th+5, Adjoa Silviane Kokora 58th, and Stumai Abdallah 57th for JKT Queens
A ruthless Sporting Club de Casablanca qualified for their first-ever CAF Women's Champions League semi-final after a commanding 4-1 victory over JKT Queens on Saturday.
The Moroccans secured their ticket in the last four after overcoming Tanzanians at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.
First-half goals from Meryem Hajri, Chaymaa Mourtaji and N'Guessan Nadège Koffi put the Moroccans firmly in control.
Although Stumai Abdallah pulled one back for the Tanzanians after the break, Adjoa Silviane Kokora restored the three-goal cushion to seal progression.
Needing a win to secure a spot in the semi-finals, the Moroccans successfully solved the problems with the goals they scored that helped them to advance.
The turning point came in the 28th minute when JKT's player, Happyness Hezron, committed a strong foul on Chaymaa Mourtaji inside the penalty area.
After consulting VAR, referee Salima Mukansanga pointed to the penalty spot and sent off the JKT offender. Meryem Hajri didn't hesitate and converted the penalty in the 30th minute.
Comfortable in their play, the Moroccans extended their lead through Chaymaa Mourtaji and N'Guessan Nadège Koffi before halftime.
In the second half, the Tanzanians reduced the deficit through Stumai Abdallah, but the prolific Adjoa Sylviane Kokora extinguished any hopes of a revival by scoring a fourth goal shortly after.
With four points, Sporting Club Casablanca finished second in Group A and will play in the semi-finals for the first time in its history.
A second-placed finish in Group A sets up a semi-final date with the group winners of Group B as the two final group matches will be played on Sunday.
Casablanca coach Mehdi El Qaichouri said: "I'm very proud of the players. It's a dream to be in the semis after finishing second in our league."
Despite the loss, JKT Queens boss Esther Fred Chabruma remained upbeat, saying: "We go home with valuable lessons and will come back stronger."
With women's football growing rapidly in Morocco, this run can inspire the next generation.
Post Match Comments
Meryem Ajri, Player of the Match:
"I am happy with what we achieved tonight. I dedicate this award to the King of Morocco, His Excellency Mohamed V, and the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, to the entire Moroccan people. We are pleased with this qualification."
Esther Fred Chabruma, JKT Queens Coach:
"We are happy nevertheless despite this result. We will improve next time. We take away many lessons, and we will improve next time. I congratulate my players for the game they produced during this 2023 Women's Champions League. We will go home and prepare for the national championship and come back next time."
Mehdi El Qaichouri, Sporting Club Casablanca Coach:
"We feel very good after this qualification, and what satisfaction with many beautiful goals. We are happy. I told them at halftime that I wanted 2-0; they did better by leading 3-0. I am proud of them. It's a dream for us to finish second in the league and come here by qualifying for the semi-finals. The scenario was deserved for the red card; we knew how to manage, and that is a fact of the game."