The Best XI selection highlights the top-performing players of the tournament. It is compiled by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), which includes football analysts, coaches, and technical advisors.

The Best XI features four players from debutants FC Masar which placed third in the final ranking.

Four players are selected from  Champions TP Mazembe and two from runners-up AS FAR of Morocco.

In goal is FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry, whose acrobatic saves and commanding presence earned her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.

The central defense is solidified by Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo from FC Masar.

The full-back positions are occupied by Miracle Usani of Edo Queens on the left and Vukulu Belange of TP Mazembe on the right.

TP Mazembe’s Marline Kasaj anchors the midfield, providing exceptional support during their title run.

The attacking midfield duo features AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Nyonkuru of FC Masar, adding creativity and flair to the line-up.

The attacking trio is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Doha El Madani (ASFAR), on the right, with TP Mazembe’s Lacho Marta on the left, and Merveille Kanjinga (TP Mazembe) as the central striker.

CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI:

GOALKEEPER 

• Habiba Emad Sabry (FC Masar)

DEFENDERS

• Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
• Shadia Nankya (FC Masar)
• Aisha Nantongo (FC Masar)
• Vukulu Belange (TP Mazembe)

MIDFIELDERS 

• Marline Kasaj (TP Mazembe)
• Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
• Sandrine Nyonkuru (FC Masar)

FORWARDS

• Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
• Merville Kanjinga (TP Mazembe)
• Lacho Marta (TP Mazembe)

As it happened when both teams met in the group stage, full-time scores remained 0-0. It was obvious the Edo Queens were deficient in penalty kick shooting as they had earlier lost one in their encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The technical crew probably did not reckon with penalty kick training.

Nigeria’s flagbearers, the Edo Queen will make their final appearance at the 2024 CAF Women’s League this Friday when they take on FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match.

A win will not only fetch them the bronze medal, but an increased financial gain from $300,000 to $350,000. By the current exchange rate, this is N589,284,600.

A chunk of this will undoubtedly improve their living standards and also fetch some of the players better offers from foreign clubs.

Already, their good run has led to some of the players emerging as nominees at next month’s CAF Awards in Morocco. Monle Oyono is nominated along with Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie as contender for the African Woman’s Goalkeeper of the Year.

So also is  Emem Essien seeking to win the Women’s version of the Interclub Player of the Year Award. Their coach, Moses Adukwu is not also left out as he is nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

Edo Queens is among the eight shortlisted for the Club of the Year. A defeat of FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match will improve their honours chase.

Both teams met at the group stage and played a barren draw. A winner must emerge this Friday as both teams aim for a pdium finish.

 Named Woman of the Match twice in the tournament, Emem’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and remarkable talent.    

From her early days inspired by her father’s encouragement to her current role as a key player in Edo Queens, Emem’s insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and hard work required to excel in the sport.

 Currently participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024, Essien and her team are striving for excellence on an international stage. 

CAFOnline.com: Can you tell us how you first fell in love with football in Nigeria and who has been your biggest influence so far?

E.E: First of all, I want to thank God. My biggest influence in football has been my dad. Even though I already loved the sport, it was his encouragement that pushed me to start playing. It all began with street football.

How did you start playing street football?

It started during my school days—primary and secondary school—where I played with family and friends. Although I had an interest in football, it was my dad who really encouraged me to continue playing. He has been my biggest influence growing up.

What valuable lessons about teamwork and leadership have you learned so far at Edo Queens?

I’ve learned the importance of putting others first and encouraging my teammates. Leadership involves bringing everyone along and ensuring collective success. It makes me happy to see everyone working together.

Who has been your greatest supporter or mentor throughout your football journey, and how has it impacted you?

Like I said earlier, my dad has always been my mentor. He has inspired me in many ways and has always encouraged me, even when I felt like giving up. His support has pushed me to reach higher goals.

What are your personal goals for Edo Queens as a player and your broader perspectives on Nigerian football?

I want to contribute in every way possible to help Edo Queens succeed, especially by scoring goals. I aim for us to be the first Nigerian team to win the CAF Champions League. On a national level, I aspire to help Nigeria win the World Cup.

Looking ahead, what do you see for Nigerian women’s football in the future and what role do you want to play in that future?

I see Nigerian football becoming one of the best in Africa and the world. I hope to play a role in achieving this by winning the Champions League and the World Cup.

How has competing in the Champions League impacted you as a player?

I am very happy to be part of one of the best teams in Africa and to compete against other top teams. This experience has greatly improved my skills and confidence.

What has been the most unforgettable moment for you so far in this women’s Champions League?

My most unforgettable moment was scoring the equalising goal against the South African team, Mamelodi Sundowns. It was an incredible experience.

What emotions and pride do you feel representing Edo Queens and Nigeria at this stage?

I feel very proud and happy to represent both Edo Queens and Nigeria on this stage.

How do you manage the challenges of balancing your career as a football player with the responsibilities and expectations of being a woman?

It hasn’t been easy, but I try to make time for the important people in my life. I balance my career and personal life by creating time for those who matter to me.

What support system do you rely on to manage the dual demands of your personal life and career as a football player?

In my personal life, I engage in activities that I enjoy and that make me happy. When it comes to football, I focus on the sport and keep my personal enjoyment separate.

Do you have people who support you whenever you feel down, either in your career or personal life?

Yes, my friends, parents, and other team members are very important to me. They support me when I’m feeling down in both my career and personal life.

Can you share an experience where you had to overcome an obstacle as a player and in your individual life?

I experienced a major setback when I got injured last year. With the help of my family and friends, I managed to come back successfully. I was injured for six months, starting in November last year, and I made a full recovery six months later.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, and good luck for the rest of the tournament.

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

When the two teams in the final match of the CAF Women’s League line up on Saturday, two Moroccan coaches will be at different ends.

The Congolese team of TP Mazembe is led by Moroccan coach Lamia Boumehdi. She will be up against her male compatriot, Mohamed Amine Alioua who will be leading the Moroccan side, AS FAR.

Boumedhi is a former captain of the Atlas Lionesses. Her coaching journey has been a groundbreaking one.

After serving as head coach of Morocco’s U17 Women’s Team, she took on the unique challenge of leading the DR Congo’s TP Mazembe Ladies.

Her journey is marked by both her success as a player and her commitment to pushing boundaries as a coach.

‘’I’ve always loved football. In our day, football wasn’t as professional.

“We played for fun. But at 26, after a serious cruciate ligament injury, the doctor told me I couldn’t play any more.

“I couldn’t accept that because I love football so much. So I decided to stay on the pitch, but as a coach. Coaching for me is about guiding young talent and giving back to the sport that gave me so much,” says Lamia. 

“Now, with TP Mazembe, I’m focused on building a competitive team that reflects the heart of Congolese football.

“We have done a great deal of work on the ground by creating a sports-study school. The centre is the only one in DR Congo to have a training programme for young players, including different age categories.

“I’m honoured to be contributing to this project, and I’m looking forward to many more editions to come.” Her players often describe her as a meticulous strategist with an innate ability to empower those around her.

Lamia sees her role as a bridge between nations, cultures, and footballing philosophies.

“Coaching in a different country has been a gift,” she says. “It’s shown me the incredible diversity of African football. No matter where we come from, we share a love for the game and a drive to elevate it.”

The slender victory in an evenly contested showdown means AS FAR’s hopes of reclaiming their CAF Women’s Champions League title remain intact. They set up a mouth-watering tie against DR Congo side TP Mazembe, who qualified at the expense of Edo Queens earlier.

Masar’s unfortunate loss to the former champions means they will take on fellow debutants, Edo Queens in the play-offs for the bronze medal on Friday, 22 November while Mazembe face AS FAR in Saturday’s grand finale.

Despite the exit, FC Masar will take courage with their debut appearance, having pushed AS FAR right to the end with a gutsy performance.

It was the former champions who found the early lead in the 12^th minute, courtesy of a Safa Banouk strike.

Sandrine Niyonkuru could have levelled matters minutes later after Masar were awarded a penalty but was unfortunate not to score, as the match went into the break with a goal to AS FAR.

The equaliser did eventually come for the Egyptians in referee’s added time with Maya Abouelwafa restoring parity.

With just seconds remaining, it was the teenage star Doha El Madani again coming to the rescue of AS FAR, with a victory securing goal that sent the hosts into the final in dramatic fashion.

They will now fight for the bronze medal in the third-place match against either FC Masar of Egypt or hosts and former champions, AS FAR of Morocco. The second semi-final match will be played later this evening.

Edo Queens were initially running away with what would have been a famous victory as they shot ahead in the 64th minute through Emmem Essien.

But TP Mazembe came from behind and turned the table. First, they drew level six minutes to the end of regulation time when Mervielle Kajinga scored.  

That dragged the game into extra time. The matter became worse when Edo Queens conceded an own goal before Marlene Kasaj wrapped up the game by converting a penalty kick in the 108th minute and ended the game 3-1.

Edo Queens from the land of the famous Edo Bronze will now contest the bronze medal match.

The two players are Cordeila Odoma and Emem Essien. Only hosts, AS FAR of Morocco produced more players in the Bext 11 squad named by the CAF Technical Study Group that comprises various African football experts, including coaches, analysts, and technical advisors.

However, the Best 11 is headlined by four AS FAR players, two each from tournament debutants, Edo Queens as well as FC Masar.

South Africa duo of Mamelodi Sundowns and University of the Western Cape (UWC) as well as DR Congo’s TP Mazembe make up the final 11.

AS FAR goalkeeper Khadija ER-Rmichi, with just one concession in the group stages, rightfully earns the goalkeeper position.

AS FAR’s Nouhaila Benzina, alongside Shadia Nankya of FC Masar, make up the central pairing, while Edo Queens’ Cordeila Odoma and Karabo Dhlamini of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies complete the back four as full-backs.

UWC’s highly experienced Amogelang Motau anchors the midfield, just behind the attacking pair of AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Niyonkuru of FC Masar.

The attacking trio is led by Edo Queens’ lethal Emem Essien, who is assisted by AS FAR teenage-star, Doha El Madani as well as Lacho Marta of TP Mazembe.

The CAF Technical Study Group also confirmed the best performing players and coach for the group stages as follows:

Top Goalscorer: AS FAR’sDoha El Madani (5 goals) 

Best Player: AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy

Best Goalkeeper: AS FAR’s Khadija Er-Rmichi

Best Coach: FC Masar’s Ahmad Ramadhan

The tournament enters the exciting knockout stages this  Tuesday, when Edo Queens takes on TP Mazembe at 16h00 Local Time before former champions AS FAR take on FC Masar at 19h00 Local Time.

Even if they lose their semi-final match to DR Congo’s TP Mazembe on Tuesday afternoon, the Edo Queens will have the opportunity to feature in the losers’ final match. If they win that, their purse will increase to $350,000.

If they win the semi-final match, their minimum take-home will be $400,000. If they don’t limit their ambition and ultimately win the title, Edo Queens will return to Nigeria with not just the trophy, but also the prize money ofUSD 600 000, the biggest earning by any Nigerian women’s football club.

In a dramatic twist of events in Casablanca on Saturday, Edo Queens crushed Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ hopes of defending their CAF Women’s Champions League title with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory to not only secure their place in the semi-finals but eliminate the defending champions. 

After a 24th-minute goal by Melinda Kgadiete thanks to a Karabo Dlamini assist, Sundowns held the slender lead until the dying moments of the match before Emem Essien’s equaliser in the referee’s added time saw the South African’s title hopes dashed. 

With Queens needing a victory, the late strike was enough to see them through. 

The nail was officially hammered in the defending champions’ coffin after Mary Mamudu pounced on some questionable defending from a set piece to fire the Nigerians into the lead and seal an unforgettable victory over the defending champions in the last seconds of added time. 

In a simultaneous Group B fixture on Saturday, fellow debutants FC Masar also registered a victory over Central Bank of Ethiopia in their final group match to successfully book their place in the semi-finals.

The Egyptians’ fairy tale run continues in the CAF Women’s Champions League, with a historic berth into the semi-finals that will see them remain in contention for a dream continental title. 

After a nervy start, the Egyptians grabbed the all-important lead through Sandrine Niyonkuru in the 24^th minute ahead of the break.

With victory well in sight, Masar extended their lead towards the closing minutes thanks to Yassmine Zezo’s 85^th minute strike that sealed the victory for the academy side.

CBE did find a consolation goal in referee’s added time with Senaf Wakuma finding the back of the net in the dying seconds of the match.

With tournament hosts, AS FAR as well as TP Mazembe both securing their places on Friday, Queens and Masar’s respective victories officially marks the battle lines for the semi-finals of the competition set to take place on Tuesday, 19 November.  

Edo Queens will kick off the semi-finals in the earlier fixture when they face off against TP Mazembe, before a North African battle between hosts, AS FAR and FC Masar concludes the semi-finals to decide the last two standing teams of the competition.

CAF Women’s Champions League Semi-Final Fixtures

16h00 | Edo Queens vs TP Mazembe

19h00 | AS FAR vs FC Masar