CAF women’s champions league heats up in Egypt

The 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League is entering an exciting stage in Egypt, with four clubs preparing to battle for places in the final as the competition approaches its conclusion. The tournament has brought together some of Africa’s strongest women’s football teams, creating an opportunity for established champions and emerging clubs to compete for continental recognition.

The sixth edition of the competition began on November 1 and will run until November 15 in Egypt. Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament features eight clubs representing different African football regions. It provides a platform for talented female footballers to showcase their abilities while competing for one of the continent’s most important club football trophies.

The group stage produced several interesting results, with two debutants making impressive progress into the semi-finals. Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles have attracted attention after reaching the last four in their first appearances at the continental competition. Their performances demonstrate how women’s club football is becoming increasingly competitive across Africa.

Among the established clubs attracting attention is Morocco’s AS FAR, the defending champion. The Moroccan side is hoping to secure another continental title after previously winning the competition in 2022 and 2025. However, its journey has not been entirely smooth. AS FAR suffered a 3-2 defeat against Kawempe Muslim Ladies during the group stage, showing that even experienced teams can face difficult challenges from emerging opponents.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns are also among the leading contenders. The club has previously won the competition twice and remains one of the strongest teams in African women’s football. Sundowns finished at the top of Group A without losing a match, strengthening their position as serious contenders for this year’s trophy.

The semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, will feature two important encounters. AS FAR will face Lekié Football Filles, while Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Kawempe Muslim Ladies. Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.

The matches will determine which two clubs advance to Sunday’s final on November 15. For the established champions, the semi-finals represent an opportunity to demonstrate their experience and maintain their dominance. For the debutants, reaching the final would be a remarkable achievement and an opportunity to make history in their first appearance.

There is also significant financial reward at stake. CAF has allocated a total prize pool of $2.35 million for the competition. The winning club will receive $600,000, while the runners-up will earn $400,000. The third and fourth-placed teams are expected to receive $350,000 and $300,000 respectively. These financial incentives provide additional motivation for clubs competing for the title and can support their future development.

Beyond the prize money, winning the competition carries international significance. The champions will secure a place in the second qualifying round of the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, giving the club an opportunity to compete against teams from other parts of the world. Such exposure can help African clubs gain international recognition and provide their players with valuable experience.

The growth of women’s club football is another important aspect of this year’s tournament. For many years, women’s football across several African countries received less attention and investment than the men’s game. However, competitions such as the CAF Women’s Champions League are helping to create more opportunities for female athletes to develop their careers.

The tournament also encourages investment in coaching, training facilities, player development and professional club structures. As more teams compete at continental level, clubs have stronger reasons to improve their standards and provide better conditions for their players. Greater media coverage and sponsorship can also help attract younger girls who want to pursue football professionally.

Another important development is the increasing competitiveness between African football regions. Clubs from different countries bring different playing styles, tactical approaches and experiences to the competition. This creates opportunities for players and coaches to learn from one another while raising the overall standard of women’s football.

As the semi-finals approach, attention will remain on whether AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns can use their experience to reach another final or whether Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Lekié Football Filles will continue their impressive debut campaigns. Whatever the outcome, the competition has already provided an encouraging display of the talent and determination present in African women’s football.

With a continental trophy, substantial prize money and international opportunities awaiting the eventual champions, the remaining matches promise an exciting conclusion to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.