ASFAR FC defeated Mamelodi Sundowns by four goals to zero on Sunday at Stade Prince Moulay Abdullah in Morocco to win the CAF Women’s Champions League for the first time.
The final rematch between the South African and Moroccan heavyweights began evenly, according to CAF, with long-range goals from Chuene Morifi and Bambanani Mbane in the fifth minute, just before Jraidi’s attempt.
In the 15th minute, Fatima Tagnaout made no mistakes in converting from the penalty spot to give ASFAR the lead after Zanele Nhlapho took Zineb Redouani to the ground inside the area.
The miseries of Jerry Tshabalala’s ladies were made even worse when Rhoda Mulaudzi was given the boot after a subpar challenge on Redouani at the halfway point. This was the first time in consecutive editions that they had fallen behind.
Ahmamou Douha’s feeble effort inside the box gave the hosts a chance to extend their lead four minutes before halftime, but Andile Dlamini was unconcerned by her effort.
Aziza Rabbah’s header off the crossbar three minutes after the restart gave the Moroccans a strong start to their comeback, nearly giving them a second goal of the game.
As a result of captain Nhlapho’s second caution of the game for a poor challenge on Redouani in the 52nd minute, the South Africans were further reduced to nine players.
Two minutes later, Jraidi was perfectly set up by Tagnaout to score from within the box off the ensuing freekick for Mohamed Amine Alioua’s women’s second goal.
The South Africans attempted a comeback despite being two players down through Lelona Daweti and Melinda, but the pair failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
The hosts weren’t finished yet as Jraidi added a third goal in the 87th minute past Dlamini before adding a third goal at the very end to seal the victory. This was sweet retaliation for the Atlas Lionesses Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title loss to Banyana Banyana in July.
Ibtissam Jraidi, a forward for ASFAR, was voted Woman of the Match for the third time in the competition after her stunning treble propelled her team to a merciless victory against the Cup holders.
