We enter the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup for the first time when we take on Moroccan side AS FAR in the semi-finals at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday (6pm UK).
A win against the CAF Women's Champions League 2025 winners would take us through to the final against either Gotham FC or Corinthians.
The semi-final between those two sides takes place at Brentford Stadium earlier in the day (12.30pm KO).
Join us in West London by getting your tickets!
AFRICAN PIONEERS
AS FAR secured their passage to the Champions Cup after beating ASEC Mimosas 2-1 thanks to two penalties in November. They faced Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC in the semi-finals, winning 2-1 after extra-time courtesy of an 89th-minute equaliser from Hajar Said and a 104th-minute winner by Sanaa Mssoudy.
Domestically, AS FAR have won the Moroccan Women’s Championship a record 12 times despite only being founded in the 21st century as the club of the nation’s military. They were Africa’s first professional women’s team.
‘The Soldiers’ have also won two African Women’s Champions League titles and contain plenty of Moroccan internationals. This match represents the first time an African team will play against a European outfit in a competitive fixture.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Slegers: “They have been very dominant in their league, they are a lot on the ball, they have quality on the ball, technical players, so we’ll see what they do coming out against us, but from what I understood, they want to leave a mark at this stage and they want to show who they are.
"So I’m expecting a fearless team out on the pitch, and what exactly that means and how they’re going to attack this game we’ll see, we have to plan for different scenarios, but I expect a team wanting to show their identity and be fearless on the pitch. ” - read every word of Renée’s pre-AS FAR press conference.
Read more Every word of Renée’s pre-AS FAR press conference
Mohamed Amine Alioua: “It’s a dream. It will be another level entirely — facing the best teams from Europe, South America, and beyond. But it’s also an opportunity. Africa is growing fast, and Morocco wants to be part of that story. We don’t just want to participate; we want to compete for titles.”
TEAM NEWS
Chloe Kelly will make her comeback to the squad tomorrow, and Frida Maanum is also back in the squad. The game comes too soon for Leah Williamson, but Kyra Cooney-Cross will be with us while her return is being managed.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Japanese referee Yoshimi Yamashita has been appointed to take charge of Wednesday’s match. She will be assisted by Makoto Bozono and Chihiro Ikki.
VAR will be in use for this fixture.
Referee: Yoshimi YamashitaAssistant Referees: Makoto Bozono and Chihiro IkkiFourth Official: Lara LeeVAR: Kate JacewiczAssistant VAR: Casey Reibelt
SMITH LOOKS AHEAD
Speaking at a preview event this week, Olivia Smith said: “I think it's a great chance for us to play against different kinds of opponents and for them to come up against us as well. Obviously, it's different styles, so we just want to be prepared.
“I think we're kind of used to playing teams in the WSL, but getting to play against a different type of style will be exciting.”
Read all of Liv’s pre-match thoughts.
Read more Smith looks ahead to FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
HOW TO WATCH
This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK. Take a look at which broadcasters are showing the game elsewhere in the world.
Read more How to watch Arsenal Women v AS FAR
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