ASFAR staged a superb comeback to beat Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC and qualify for the semi-finals of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™. The Moroccan side will face Arsenal in the last four early next year after triumphing in a compelling battle between the African and Asian champions.
The semi-finals, third-place match and final will be staged in London between 28 January and 1 February 2026.
ASFAR 2-1 Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC
ASFAR goals: Said (89), Mssoudy (104)
Wuhan goal: Wang (29)
Sanaa Mssoudy scored a superb extra-time winner as ASFAR came from behind to beat Wuhan in a dramatic second-round clash at Stade Municipal de Berrechid. Wang Shuang’s first-half goal looked like it was going to send the Chinese team through, but Hajar Said netted an 89th-minute leveller before Mssoudy’s decisive strike.
ASFAR made a bright start, dominating possession and regularly advancing into dangerous positions in the final third. It was Wuhan who struck first, however, and in some style. Wang’s corner was cleared but the ball fell back into her path, and the China PR star duly crashed home an unstoppable drive from a tight angle.
The second half continued in a similar pattern, with ASFAR enjoying most of the ball but struggling to carve open Wuhan’s well-drilled backline. The Moroccan side finally broke through when Said powered in a late header.
ASFAR sustained their momentum in extra time and, after a spell of pressure, forged ahead through Mssoudy’s controlled lofted finish.
That goal proved to be the winner as ASFAR triumphed to set up a last-four showdown with Arsenal. The winners of that game will face either American powerhouses Gotham FC or Brazilian giants Corinthians in the final.
What they said…
“I’m really happy and proud because we were losing 1-0 and we managed to come back. We didn’t give up, we had our supporters, we were at home… I’m really happy that we’re going to play in this first edition (of the Women’s Champions Cup) in London in the final phase. It’s wonderful. We’ll be the first African country to play in it. It will always be in history, and we’re continuing to write it.”
Anissa Lahmari, ASFAR midfielder
“The opponent was well-structured and organised and disciplined, but we made it possible. As everyone knows, ASFAR is a club that never gives up. We wrote history as we always do.”
Najat Badri, ASFAR captain
