Lekié FF denied winning debut in CAF Women's Champions League as Sundowns test looms
On their debut in the CAF Women's Champions League, Lekié Football Féminin had to settle for a goalless draw against FUS Rabat (0-0) on Sunday 1 November at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt. Despite clear dominance and plenty of chances, the UNIFFAC zone representatives lacked the finishing touch to turn their continental bow into a win. An encouraging first point, but one that leaves some regrets.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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Dominance without reward
Lekié FF had the means to make a more convincing start to this sixth edition. Against a well-organised Moroccan side in FUS Rabat, the Cameroonians took the initiative and launched wave after wave of attacks.
Their grip on the match is reflected in the statistics: 54% possession, 26 shots, five of them on target, and nine corners won. Despite all that attacking activity, Lekié's players never managed to break down the opposition defence. Solid in their defensive organisation, FUS Rabat withstood the Cameroonian onslaught to hold on to the point from the draw.
The result therefore leaves mixed feelings in the Lekié FF camp. While this first continental outing allows them to find their feet and get a point on the board, their wastefulness in front of goal is already an area for improvement.
A group with no winner after the opening round
The other fixture of the opening matchday, between South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's FC Masar, also ended goalless (0-0).
The result keeps all four teams level after the first round of games. Mamelodi Sundowns, two-time African champions, thus miss the chance to gain an early advantage in their quest for a third continental crown. FC Masar, for their part, show they can stand up to one of the competition's leading favourites.
Mamelodi Sundowns, first big test for Lekié FF
The second matchday, scheduled for Wednesday 4 November, already looks decisive for the UNIFFAC representatives. Lekié FF will face Mamelodi Sundowns, aiming to turn their first point into a statement win against one of the most experienced sides on the continent.
In the other fixture, FC Masar will take on FUS Rabat in a clash between the Egyptian and Moroccan representatives.
For Lekié FF, the challenge will be above all to keep the qualities shown in their first match while improving their finishing. In a competition where every point counts in the race for the semi-finals, dominating is not enough: they will now have to convert.