Rabat—AS FAR step into new territory this evening as they face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, with a place in the very first final up for grabs at Brentford Stadium.
It’s a meeting of champions. Arsenal earned their spot by lifting the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League, and AS FAR arrive in London as the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League winners. The winner will go on to face either Gotham FC (Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup) or Corinthians (Copa Libertadores Femenina), who contest the earlier semi-final at the same venue.
Beyond the trophy, this game feels bigger than a semi-final. It’s the first time an African women’s club faces a European side in a competitive match, and AS FAR have made it clear they’ve come to London to compete, not just take part.
Match details
- Fixture: Arsenal vs. AS FAR
- Competition: FIFA Women’s Champions Cup—Semi-final
- Venue: Brentford Stadium (Gtech Community Stadium), London
- Kick-off: 19:00 GMT+1 (18:00 local time)
How to Watch
Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports Main Event, Arsenal.com and FIFA+.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal come into the semi-final with confidence growing after a strong spell of results, including a 2–0 win over Chelsea just days ago.
Coach Renée Slegers also has some welcome squad news. Chloe Kelly is back in the group, and Frida Maanum returns as well. Leah Williamson, though, won’t be ready in time, while Kyra Cooney-Cross is still being carefully managed as she works her way back.
Slegers expects a “fearless” opponent, describing AS FAR as a team that want to show their identity and play without fear, something Arsenal will have to be ready for.
AS FAR Team News
AS FAR arrive as one of Africa’s most successful women’s sides, having won the Moroccan league a record 12 times and built a reputation as a powerhouse since their rise in the early 2000s.
Their path to this semi-final has already shown their character. They beat ASEC Mimosas 2–1 to win the CAF Women’s Champions League, and then needed extra time to get past Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC in the quarterfinal round of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Hajar Said rescued them late with an 89th-minute equalizer before Sanaa Mssoudy struck the winner in the 104th minute.
Coach Mohamed Amine Alioua called the match “a dream” but also an opportunity, saying his team wants to “compete for titles” and not “just want to participate.”
Score prediction: Arsenal 3–0 AS FAR.
