Heading into their second FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ match, ASFAR knew they faced a tall order to advance any further at the intercontinental finals.
The African champions, who knocked out China PR’s Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC in extra time in the second round of the competition last December, had to get by an Arsenal side which had lost just one of their previous 11 games and were fresh off the back of a 2-0 win against Chelsea.
The Moroccans battled vigilantly, but eventually fell 6-0 to the Gunners, who could call upon five different scorers.
“We saw very clearly the difference between the African champions and the European champions”, said ASFAR coach Mohamed Amine Alioua at the post-match press conference. “We defended very poorly and made individual mistakes. We had a big game to play against Arsenal, and we still have to hold our heads high. We have to be positive, especially in terms of our mindset.”
The 39-year-old coach knew full well that his players were going to face a very tough match against what he described as a “high-calibre” team in the build-up. He also warned that this semi-final would be “an opportunity to learn”. However, his players wanted more than just an experience.
“I don’t know if we were really there to learn today, we were mainly there to perform in this match against the European champions”, added Anissa Lahmari. “There were some tactical mistakes, which were evident in the goals. We also conceded goals from set-pieces. We’re leaving disappointed, even though the coach told us to give it our all so we wouldn’t have any regrets. In the end, we do have a few. Well done to Arsenal, they’re a great team. There’s a reason they’re at the top of Europe.”
Despite the disappointment, both players and coach alike were keen to move on quickly. On Sunday, they’ll face Gotham FC at Arsenal Stadium in the third-place play-off.
“This was our first experience [in this final phase] and we hope to put in a good performance in the next match”, said Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina. “We wish Arsenal good luck, and as for us, this match is behind us.
“Although we unfortunately lost by a heavy score today, that won’t stop us from continuing to work hard. The next match [against Gotham] won’t be easy either, and we hope to put in a high-level performance and get a positive result.”
Lahmari echoed this sentiment, concluding: “We’re going to go for third place on Sunday, God willing. We’re going to analyse this match against Arsenal and try to better apply the coach’s advice.”
