Senegal's Medina soar in WAFU A Women's Champions League opener

The TotalEnergies CAF Women's Champions League 2024 qualifiers kicked off with a bang on Thursdayas the WAFU Zone A tournament began in Bo, Sierra Leone.

The opening day of the competition saw reigning zonal champions AS Mandé of Mali held to a goalless draw, while Senegal's representatives, Aigles de la Médina, stormed to the top of the table with a convincing victory.

In the tournament's curtain-raiser, all eyes were on AS Mande, the Malian powerhouse looking to defend their regional title.

However, they found themselves frustrated by a resilient Mogbewmo Queens side from Sierra Leone.

The host nation's representatives put on a defensive masterclass, neutralizing the Malian attack and securing a valuable point in a 0-0 stalemate.

The day's second fixture saw Senegal's Aigles de la Médina announce their arrival with a commanding 2-0 win over Red Scorpions.

The Senegalese champions displayed both skill and determination, dominating proceedings and taking an early lead in the tournament standings.

This opening round of matches has set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive qualification tournament. With only one spot available for the CAF Women's Champions League proper, every point will be crucial as the teams battle for supremacy in the WAFU Zone A.

The tournament's format sees five teams competing in a round-robin league, with Liberia's Determine Girls sitting out the first round of matches.

The Liberian side will be keen to make their mark when they enter the fray in the next round of fixtures.

As it stands, Aigles de la Médina lead the pack with three points and a positive goal difference of two.

 Mogbewmo Queens and AS Mande share second place with a point each, while Red Scorpions find themselves at the bottom of the table after their opening day defeat.

Football fans across West Africa are eagerly anticipating the next round of matches, scheduled for 3rd August.

The clash between AS Mande and Aigles de la Médina is particularly mouth-watering, potentially shaping the tournament's trajectory.

With the level of competition already evident, this WAFU Zone A qualifier is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of women's football in the region, as teams vie for the coveted spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Champions League.

Results of the first day

• Mogbewmo Queens 0-0 AS Mandé
• Aigles de la Médina 2-0 Red Scorpions 19h (Exempt: Determine Girls)

Standings

1: Aigles de la Médina 3 pts +2
2: Mogbewmo Queens 1 pt 0
3: AS Mandé 1 pt 0
4: Determine Girls 0 pt 0 (G-1)
5: Red Scorpions 0 pt -2

Next matchday (times are indicated in GMT) 3/08

• Determine Girls - Red Scorpion, 16h
• AS Mandé - Aigles de la Médina 19h Exempt: Mogbewmo Queens