African Women’s Champions League: No plans to expand final to eight teams

Ellis will be closely monitoring the action in Casablanca and El Jadida, with 11 members of the Banyana Banyana team that faced Denmark and England in friendlies last month involved in the tournament.

“It’s a different environment than national team football, but it’s still an environment where you’re challenged,” he said.

“The experience that players gain in these competitions is second to none.”

Ellis also says the final will provide a “showcase” for the best players on the continent to be examined by the best teams around the world.

Ghana striker Evelyn Badu sealed her move to Norway after finishing top scorer in 2021, while 2022 golden boot winner Ibtissam Jraidi now plies her trade in Saudi Arabia and Tanzanian Opah Clement is in Turkey .

“The talent is there and you see the development of the players,” Ellis said.

“I don’t think the talent being regularly brought to Europe is devaluing the competition. Because I think if you look at the last three years, the competition has gotten better and better.”

In the long term, Caf will also aim to help the two African qualifiers for the first 16-team FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, to be played in early 2026.

“We want to make sure we have strong representation,” Gomishe said.

“Once we determine who will go to the Club World Cup, we will ensure that those two clubs receive support and have friendly matches available to them.”

source

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here