AS FAR tipped for CAF Women’s Champions League title

They will have to overcome DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in tonight’s final, which will be a rematch of their earlier group stage encounter that saw the Rabat outfit prevail 3-1 over the competition debutants. 

AS FAR won this title in 2022 when they defeated two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies 4-0, and Ellis reckons their experience puts them in good stead.

"It's very difficult [to predict], I think probably the two best teams in the tournament, in terms of physicality if you look at TP Mazembe, but if you look at how Morocco's football has evolved, they are more composed on the ball and playing a lot quicker," said Ellis.

"This is a different AS FAR from a year ago, and two years before that, and I think it's a magical moment that will change the game, but both teams have shown that when they are trailing they can up their game. I'd go for AS FAR, but you never can tell."

Ellis expressed her disappointment at both South African representatives Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and University of the Western Cape bowing out in the group stages of the tournament.

"It doesn't augur well for South African football, but it gives us an opportunity to now go back and be better next time, it gives us an opportunity to make sure because now they know what they're in for," she added.

"I was talking to Coach T [Thinasonke Mbule, UWC Ladies coach], she said it was a different level than what she's used to at club level, and for the players too, and it shows how the game is evolving on the continent.

"There are no small teams anymore, so you have to be ready for every moment and every situation, but good luck to the finalists. I

"I'm sure Mamelodi Sundowns and UWC will be back stronger and better, I'm sure now knowing what's out there and how the Champions League level has changed – which is completely different from HWBSL, COSAFA qualifiers.

"It shows women's football is not standing still, and if we're not prepared to make that investment and prepared to put in the hard work, we're seriously going to get left behind."

READ: Amogelang Motau: UWC return home with heads held high