The race for the UFOA-A qualifying spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League intensified after the third matchday, with USFAS of Mali holding a slim advantage at the top of the standings.
With only two rounds left to play, every point will be critical in determining who secures the region’s ticket to the continental tournament.
USFAS lead the table with six points, their strong start putting them in pole position ahead of a tense final stretch.
Close behind are Ram Kamara of Sierra Leone on four points, keeping the Malian side within reach.
The battle for third is equally competitive, with Senegal’s Aigles de Médina and Gambia’s Berewuleng FC both sitting on three points, separated only by goal difference.
Determine GFC of Liberia, with a single point, remain at the foot of the table but still have a mathematical chance of climbing the rankings.
Matchday 4, set for Thursday 14 August, is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the title picture.
The clash between Determine Girls and Aigles de Médina will be vital for both sides — the Liberians need a win to stay alive in the competition, while the Senegalese will see victory as a springboard into contention for the top spot.
In the other fixture, Berewuleng FC face the formidable USFAS.
The Gambian side, level on points with Aigles de Médina, will be aiming to disrupt the leaders’ momentum and boost their own qualification hopes.
For USFAS, another win could all but seal their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League, but any slip would allow their closest rivals to close the gap.
The tournament has so far been marked by tight scorelines and fiercely contested encounters, with no side able to pull decisively clear.
As the margins narrow, both defensive solidity and clinical finishing are expected to be decisive factors in the run-in.
Supporters can expect high-intensity football as the teams enter the business end of the competition.
With the standings so closely packed, a single result could cause major shifts in the table and dramatically alter the title race.
As it stands, USFAS have their destiny in their own hands, but the chasing pack — led by Ram Kamara — remain poised to pounce should the leaders falter in the final two rounds.
