In a stunning display of skill and determination, FUS Rabat commenced their quest for a coveted spot in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League by decisively defeating Algeria’s CF Akbou with a score of 4-0 during their opening match of the UNAF qualifiers held in Tunis on Tuesday. The Moroccan team demonstrated their formidable prowess on the field, securing all three points thanks to impressive goals from Odette Gnintegma, Salma Boukerch, Mari Cruz, and Hajar Errakkas.
This commanding victory not only provides FUS Rabat with an early boost in their four-team UNAF qualifying group, which includes Egypt’s FC Masar and Tunisia’s ASF Sousse, but also sets the stage for an intense competition ahead. The teams are engaged in a round-robin format, with each club slated to play three matches, thus heightening the stakes for every game.
FUS Rabat Establishes Dominance
FUS Rabat wasted no time in establishing their dominance against CF Akbou, with Odette Gnintegma netting the opening goal early in the match. Following this, Salma Boukerch doubled the lead, solidifying the Moroccan side's comfortable advantage. The momentum continued as Mari Cruz extended their lead further, and Hajar Errakkas capped off the victory with a final goal during stoppage time. This emphatic result places FUS Rabat in a strong position at the outset of the qualifying tournament, providing them with valuable momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
Intense Competition Ahead
In this unique UNAF qualifying tournament, FUS Rabat faces off against three other teams: FC Masar from Egypt, ASF Sousse from Tunisia, and CF Akbou from Algeria, all competing for one coveted spot in the final phase of the CAF Women’s Champions League. Each team will face the others once, meaning FUS Rabat still has two crucial matches remaining after their substantial opening win. They are set to clash with ASF Sousse on Friday, September 4, followed by a decisive match against FC Masar on Monday, September 7. The outcomes of these fixtures will be instrumental in determining whether FUS Rabat can secure the top position in the group, thus earning the UNAF qualification spot for the prestigious tournament.
Notably, FC Masar also enjoyed a remarkable start, overwhelming the hosts ASF Sousse with a resounding 9-0 victory in their opening match. This outcome sets up an exciting face-off between FUS Rabat and FC Masar, as both teams aim for supremacy in the group standings.
The UNAF tournament holds significant implications for FUS Rabat and Moroccan women’s football as a whole. As one of six regional tournaments determining the teams that will enter the final phase of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, the stakes are high. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the six zonal winners will join defending champions AS FAR, who are already guaranteed a place in the final tournament, along with a representative from the host nation. A successful campaign by FUS Rabat could see them join AS FAR, further emphasizing Morocco’s growing influence in African women’s club football.
As the regional qualification race unfolds, it is clear that FUS Rabat is focused on securing their spot in the final stage of the CAF Women’s Champions League. Following their impressive 4-0 victory, the Moroccan club is determined to navigate the remaining matches with the same fervor and skill, as they strive to achieve this significant milestone in their football journey.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.