CAF Women’s champions League trophy
Day two of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League kicks off on Tuesday afternoon. After a showcase of resilience and grit in the opening fixtures, day two is set to begin in grand style.
First on the agenda, host ASFAR, who got off to a perfect start with a resounding 3-0 victory against Angles De La Medina, will be aiming for consecutive semi-final appearances when they face TP Mazembe.
Both teams secured wins in their respective games, but it was the 2023 finalists that caught the eyes of fans with their dominant 3-0 victory, the biggest scoreline of the first round.
Youngster Doha El Madani, who has two goals in the tournament, will look to add to her tally. However, she will face a formidable TP Mazembe defence that holds strong against Western Cape.
TP Mazembe’s Larcho Marta, who earned the Woman of the Match award in their first game, has been passed fit to play, a boost for the Congolese club.
Both teams have amassed three points and are positioned first and second on the table in Group A, making this tie one of the most anticipated matchups.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were shocked in their first game, losing to debutants FC Masar.
Sundowns will be eager to get their quest for defending the title back on track. With nearly 50% of Banyana Banyana’s squad in the team, Mamelodi Sundowns, currently third in Group B, will go into this tie as the favourites.
Their opponent, CBE Women, suffered a 3-0 defeat in their opening match and languished at the bottom of the table.
However, FC Masar’s surprise victory over Sundowns has shown that the South African team is beatable, which will no doubt fuel CBE’s confidence ahead of the game.
In the other match in Group B, it will be a battle of debutants. Both teams recorded victories in their maiden appearances at the tournament.
Edo Queens beat CBE Women 3-0, while Masar secured a 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Emem Essien of Edo Queens has been in top form leading up to the tournament and continued her excellent form by scoring the opener in their 3-0 win.
With her in attack, Edo Queens could be one win away from reaching their first-ever semi-final appearance.
In the final match of day two in Group A, Western Cape and Medina will both be hoping to avoid defeat. Anything less than a win for either team would result in an exit from the competition.
With 9 goals already scored in the first four games, teams fighting for survival, players aiming for the top scorer’s award, and semi-final spots up for grabs, day two of the CAF Women’s Champions League is sure to bring out the zeal and determination of both clubs and players.
FKA/OGB
