AFCON Women’s Champions League : Morocco’s AS FAR Bests Egypt’s FC Masar 2-1 to Reach Final

2024-11-22

Morocco’s AS FAR on Tuesday secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt’s FC Masar to reach the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Touted as favorites, the defending Moroccan champions showed their determination to continue their journey. From the first whistle, they displayed sharp focus, leaving no room for chance.

Their intensity quickly paid off. In the 11th minute, Safa Banouk opened the scoring for the Rabat-based team.

However, a momentary lapse nearly cost them. Sandrine Niyonkuru, brought down in the box by Hajar Said, was awarded a penalty. But Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi rose to the occasion, brilliantly denying the Burundian striker’s attempt.

AS FAR came close to extending their lead with several dangerous chances, but FC Masar’s defense held firm. Doha El Madani and Sanaa Mssoudy showed promise in attack but lacked precision in front of goal.

In the second half, the Moroccan side, led by the composed and experienced Nouhaila Benzina, managed the game well. Despite FC Masar’s persistent efforts, their attacks failed to break through AS FAR’s aggressive and compact defensive line. The Moroccan midfield dictated the tempo, thwarting Egyptian advances and creating counterattacking opportunities.

In stoppage time, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyuwa, after consulting VAR, awarded a penalty to FC Masar. Maya Ehab converted to equalize, seemingly tilting the momentum.

But AS FAR struck back instantly. Just seconds later, Doha El Madani delivered a decisive blow, converting a spectacular left-sided free kick to seal the victory.

AS FAR will now face TP Mazembe in the final, led by Moroccan coach Lamia Boumehdi. The two teams met in the group stage, with AS FAR claiming a 3-1 victory.

This marks AS FAR’s second final appearance, the first being in Morocco in 2022, the year they claimed their maiden title. A win in this final would see them equal the record for most titles (2) held by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

MAP: 20 November 2024

Morocco’s World Cup Campaign is a Source of Pride for African Football, Says CAF Head

Morocco’s quarterfinals campaign during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the strong performances of other African national teams in the tournament’s advanced stages, is “a source of pride and honor for all Africans,” the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, said on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

“The fact that a national team has the honor of competing in this tournament, the world’s most prestigious football event, is already an immense source of pride for all of us,” Motsepe said during a press conference reviewing Africa’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

He added that the outstanding performances of Moroccan football, highlighted by the national team’s qualification for the quarterfinals, along with the advancement of several African teams to the knockout rounds and later stages of the competition, “will help strengthen African football’s standing and reinforce the respect and recognition it enjoys on the international stage.”

Motsepe also announced CAF’s intention to convene an expanded meeting bringing together, at the request of several participating countries and tournament officials, football stakeholders and partner organizations to discuss strategies aimed at preserving this continental momentum and further advancing the development of African football.

African teams delivered a historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine nations reaching the Round of 32, while Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals, confirming its continued progress after its historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

It is “an Honor” to Face Morocco, a Team that “Conquered the World,” CBF President Tells MAP

For Brazil, “it is an honor to kick off the World Cup against a team that has captivated the world with its organization, courage, and distinct style of play.” It was with these words, imbued with “admiration and respect,” that Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), described Saturday’s highly anticipated opening clash between the Seleção and the Atlas Lions.

In an exclusive interview with MAP-Brasilia, the head of Brazilian football’s governing body promised “a spectacular show,” bringing together two dynamic, passionate, and globally renowned schools of football.

Fans, he noted, can expect a highly technical, intense, and deeply competitive duel, played in a spirit of profound mutual respect. “Starting the tournament with such a high-profile fixture underscores the importance of preparation and focus. I am certain this match will live long in the memory,” he stated.

Xaud, who took the helm of the CBF in May 2025 to spearhead a modernization drive, praised Morocco’s prominent position on the global sporting stage, achieved through strategic investments driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

“Morocco’s long-term vision, world-class infrastructure, and emphasis on youth academies have created a highly competitive ecosystem,” he observed, adding that co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal further solidifies this standing.

“For us, this commands admiration and respect. Global football is enriched when new powers emerge through robust projects, and Morocco is undoubtedly one of them,” he added.

Discussing the squads for this heavyweight clash, the CBF chief, a physician by training, took a highly analytical view of the forces at play. The Brazilian executive highlighted the teams’ contrasting trajectories, noting that Morocco has consolidated a successful model stemming naturally from the continuity of the squad that reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022.

Turning to the five-time world champions, the CBF chief noted that Brazil has embarked on a rebuilding phase under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti. He explained that this new cycle aims to blend the Seleção’s historic individual brilliance with a relentless pursuit of collective balance.

While acknowledging Morocco’s historic achievement, which reshaped global perceptions of African football, and stating that the Kingdom “deserves full recognition for this,” the CBF president insisted that Brazil’s five stars must never lead to complacency.

“Our responsibility is different: we carry an exceptional legacy, but also the obligation to constantly evolve,” Xaud emphasized, pointing out that modern football has become increasingly competitive, physical, and tactical.

The top official concluded by noting that contemporary football demands more than just prestigious names; it requires structure, discipline, and tactical flexibility. These are the very foundations the sports medicine specialist is now striving to build at the CBF through strategic planning, rigorous enforcement of financial fair play, domestic calendar optimization, and a scientific approach to developing future talent.

Morocco’s Selection to Host 77th FIFA Congress Reflects Major Trust in the Kingdom – FRMF

Morocco’s choice as host of 77th FIFA Elective Congress confirms yet again the major trust put in the Kingdom, as well as its reputation in organizing large international gatherings, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) states.

Rabat will host the FIFA Elective General Assembly on March 18, 2027, marking the second time the Kingdom has organized this event, following the Ordinary General Assembly held in Marrakech in 2005, the FRMF adds in a press release.

Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), announced on Thursday the selection of the capital Rabat to host the elective congress of its General Assembly during its 77th session, with the participation of approximately 2,000 people representing 211 national associations from around the world, the same source notes.

Members of the FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, unanimously approved this decision, the press release points out.

Morocco’s FRMF Endorses Infantino’s Candidacy for FIFA Presidency

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), chaired by Fouzi Lekjaa, announces its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for the FIFA presidency.

In a letter of nomination and support published on its official website, the FRMF “officially endorses” Infantino’s candidacy at the elective Congress of world football’s governing body, to be held in Rabat on March 18, 2027.

In this regard, the FRMF wishes to clarify “that it exclusively supports Gianni Infantino for the position of FIFA President and, consequently, will not sign any other declaration of support for any other candidate for this position.”

This letter highlights the significant work carried out by Gianni Infantino and his team to promote African and global football, the FRMF emphasizes, expressing its determination to maintain its “fruitful cooperation” with FIFA bodies under the presidency of Gianni Infantino for the development and growth of football.

Morocco to Host 77th FIFA Congress in 2027

Morocco was selected on Thursday to host the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March 18, 2027.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 76th Congress of world soccer’s governing body, held in Vancouver, Canada.

Morocco, Key Player in LaLiga’s International Expansion – Pres. Javier Tebas

The Spanish league’s international reach is firmly anchored in Morocco, LaLiga President Javier Tebas emphasized in an exclusive interview with MAP, highlighting the historical, cultural, and sporting ties between the two countries.

According to Tebas, the Middle East and North Africa region is a strategic market for LaLiga, thanks to the enthusiasm of passionate fans. In this context, Morocco holds a special place, as it is linked through “a unique historical relationship, and I think that is also reflected in football,” he stated.

In this regard, the LaLiga president highlighted deep relations between the two countries in the sporting arena. “There have always been many ties, as well as a spirit of unity and mutual understanding between Spain and Morocco in the field of sports in general and football in particular,” he explained.

For LaLiga, the enthusiasm of Moroccan fans for Spanish football give s a decisive edge over other leagues such as the Premier League. Tebas believes that in terms of viewership in this region, LaLiga could even surpass its main English rival.

This advantage is driven by the two countries’ geographical proximity, intertwined history, and the recent meteoric rise of Moroccan football, which Tebas deems “well-deserved and hard-earned achievements.”

Monday 27 July 2026