Highlights from the First African Women’s Champions League
Football as a sport is cherished, enjoyed and loved by Africans. Since its introduction in Africa in the early 1860s, it has spread vastly and has been accepted as the official national sport of many African countries.
However, despite its popularity and acceptance, it is mostly dominated by men and as such men are seen as the front view of the sport. The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) in a historic turn for the continent made a huge move this year to have it more, women-inclusive.
CAF in the efforts to draw attention and highlight women’s football, introduced the first ever African Women’s Champions League.
From Friday, November 5th to Friday, November 19th, 2021, eight teams from eight different countries competed in a two-week competition.
The event followed in the footsteps of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the Copa Libertadores Femenina in elevating women’s club soccer to a higher level.
The tournament, sponsored by Total Energies, was held in Cairo, Egypt. It kicked off with eight teams from Egypt, Mali, Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria.
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The eight teams were grouped into two groups of four: Wadi Degla (Egypt), AS Mande (Mali), Malabo Kings (Equatorial Guinea), and Hasaacas Ladies (Ghana) were in Group A.
Vihiga Queens (Kenya), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), AS FAR (Morocco), River Angels (Nigeria) were in Group B.
The final match played on November 19, 2021 was between Hasaacas Ladies (Ghana) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
Mamelodi Sundowns made history as the first ever winners of the maiden African Women’s Champions League, after raking a 2-0 advantageous win over their Ghanaian counter-team.
The tournament saw thrilling matches and amazing skills displayed by the ladies. Sportsmanship was highly exhibited with a touch of class.
Evelyn Badu from Hasaacas Ladies proved beyond doubt that women can be as professional as men, as she received the ‘Woman of the Tournament Award’. She also received the ‘Highest Goal Scorer’ award with 5 goals scored.
Read Summary of CAF Women’s Champions League Results, Fixtures & Tables.
Source: CAF
Written by Kumah Gifty Dedaah | Edited by Arakunrin Lekan
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
