African champions ASFAR have made their intentions crystal clear ahead of their historic semi-final clash with Arsenal Women FC at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™, with senior trio Zineb Redouani, Najat Badri and Khadija Er-Rmichi all insisting the Moroccan giants are travelling to London with belief, ambition and no fear.
ASFAR face Arsenal on 28 January in what is shaping up to be the biggest match involving an African women’s club side on the global stage.
And despite coming up against one of Europe’s most decorated teams, the CAF Women’s Champions League holders are not backing down.
“ASFAR want to go as far as possible in the competition and to win the title. That should come as no surprise – ASFAR is a club rich in trophies and pedigree. We are going to London to create history,” said Morocco international Zineb Redouani.
The 25-year-old full-back, who scored from the penalty spot in ASFAR’s 2-1 victory over ASEC Mimosas in the CAF Women’s Champions League final, was emphatic that pedigree matters just as much as reputation.
“ASFAR need no introduction. You know who we are,” Redouani added. “We want to show the best possible version of the team and demonstrate that ASFAR is a club with a great pedigree.”
Redouani believes the squad’s international exposure will be crucial against an Arsenal side packed with elite-level experience.
“When I joined (in 2020), it was to continue the winning tradition built by the players before me, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. The best is yet to come.
“ASFAR have many internationals, so this tournament is nothing new for them. They’ve played at the World Cup, most have competed in the Champions League and taken part in major tournaments. Arsenal are a great team, but we are fully prepared for this match.”
Captain Najat Badri echoed those sentiments, stressing that ASFAR’s mindset is rooted in resilience and collective belief.
“We are determined to fight. We’ll give everything to deliver a strong performance against Arsenal. They’re a strong side, used to this level of competition.
“We’re taking this very seriously and we’ll be looking to make history. We want to achieve something special, leave our mark on the tournament and finish on a high,” Badri said.
At 37, Badri brings vast experience to the ASFAR dressing room. A club legend, she has spent 13 seasons with the Rabat-based side, winning 12 Moroccan league titles, 12 Throne Cups and two CAF Women’s Champions League trophies, while also featuring at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reflecting on her leadership role, Badri explained: “As a long-serving player at the club, my role is always to motivate the younger generation and push them forward. You have to support your team-mates when things are tough. You need to be there for them, to keep them calm and to talk with them.”
Her personal journey continues to fuel her hunger. “Personally, I’m very proud to play the sport I’ve loved since childhood. I’ve always dreamt of reaching this level.
“Even though I’ve gotten older, I’m still playing, and I’m proud of that. I’m always excited to take part in competitions like this, and we’ve already gained valuable experience through being at the World Cup.”
Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, another long-serving figure who has been with ASFAR since 2012, struck a similarly composed tone, insisting the occasion will not overwhelm the African champions.
“Match after match, year after year, you build experience. I approach every game with the same mindset of giving my all. For me, the semi-final against Arsenal is just another match,” Er-Rmichi said.
She warned against defeatist thinking. “Yes, they’re strong and a well-known side in women’s football, but we can’t go into the match thinking we’re already beaten.
“We have to play it like any other match and show our strength. ASFAR is a club that wants to perform on the global stage. Our objective in this tournament is to make a name for ourselves and to build on our progress.”
Badri believes the significance of the moment goes beyond the current squad.
“ASFAR are looking to make history. What we achieve will leave a mark that will inspire future generations.”
As ASFAR prepare for their date with Arsenal, one message rings loud and clear: Africa’s champions are not just participating – they are ready to compete, believe and dream big.
