African football has a new queen, and her name is AS FAR. In a thrilling comeback, the Moroccan powerhouse reclaimed their throne, securing their second CAF Women’s Champions League title with a nail-biting 2–1 victory over ASEC Mimosas. This win not only erases the bitter memory of last year’s home defeat to TP Mazembe but also cements AS FAR’s legacy as one of the continent’s most dominant teams. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: with this triumph, AS FAR now ties Mamelodi Sundowns for the most titles in the tournament’s history—a feat that’s sure to spark debates about who truly reigns supreme in African women’s football.
The match, held at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, was a rollercoaster from the start. AS FAR came out swinging, with Ait El Haj breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute. Yet, ASEC Mimosas, the Ivorian debutants, refused to be intimidated. In a display of sheer grit, they equalized in the second half, proving that their first-ever final appearance was no fluke. Their performance wasn’t just impressive—it was a bold statement for the future of women’s football in the Ivory Coast. And this is the part most people miss: teams like ASEC Mimosas are reshaping the narrative, showing that experience isn’t always the deciding factor in high-stakes matches.
The game remained tied until the final minutes, when a dramatic turn of events sealed AS FAR’s fate. A foul by Diara in the penalty area handed Zineb Redouani the opportunity to become the hero. With ice in her veins, she slotted home a low-driven penalty, reclaiming the lead for AS FAR and earning herself the Woman of the Match award. ASEC Mimosas fought valiantly until the end, but their inexperience in such high-pressure moments showed, with the closing minutes marred by yellow cards and heated exchanges. AS FAR, however, held their ground, deploying a defensive fortress with five defenders and two holding midfielders to protect their slender lead.
This victory isn’t just about the trophy—it’s a ticket to the 2026 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup play-offs, a stage where AS FAR will aim to prove their mettle on a global scale. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is AS FAR’s success a testament to their individual talent, or does it highlight the growing gap between established teams and newcomers in African women’s football? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that’s bound to get heated!
