The CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2026 has officially begun its group-stage journey, with the draw in Cairo revealing the full picture of the continent’s premier women’s club competition. Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies, who secured their place in the tournament after a successful appeal against Nigerian champions Edo Queens, have been placed in Group B—a group that includes defending champions AS FAR, reigning African powerhouses.
Group B now features a mix of regional heavyweights and underdog contenders. Alongside Ampem Darkoa Ladies and AS FAR, the group also includes Kawempe Muslim Ladies from Uganda and USFAS Bamako from Mali. The draw ensures a competitive balance, with AS FAR—who have dominated the competition in recent years—facing Kawempe Muslim Ladies in their opening match on November 2. The Moroccan side’s title defense will hinge on their ability to navigate a group that now includes a newly qualified Ghanaian side, whose inclusion was secured through a legal challenge rather than direct qualification.
The tournament’s structure remains unchanged, with the top two teams from each of the two groups advancing to the semi-finals. Group A, meanwhile, features FC Masar (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), FUS Rabat (Morocco), and Lékié Football Girls (Cameroon). The Egyptian hosts, FC Masar, are automatically placed in Group A, while defending champions AS FAR occupy the top spot in Group B—a position that underscores their status as favorites. The draw’s randomness has been mitigated by seeding, ensuring that stronger teams are not immediately sidelined by weaker opponents.
For Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the journey begins with a high-stakes campaign. Their inclusion in Group B, a group that includes a defending champion and a side with recent continental success, will test their resilience. The CAF Appeal Board’s decision to overturn Edo Queens’ qualification—based on procedural grounds—has already sparked debate about fairness in African football’s club competitions. Now, the focus shifts to performance on the pitch, with all eight teams preparing for a tournament that will determine the continent’s top women’s club side.
The 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League will take place in Egypt from November 1 to 15, with the final set to crown a new champion. The draw has set the stage for a competitive battle, and the next eight weeks will reveal whether AS FAR can defend their title or if a new African powerhouse emerges from the ranks of Group B.
