Arsenal is set to face Moroccan champions ASFAR in the semi-finals of the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup on Wednesday night at the Brentford Community Stadium. This tournament brings together the champions from different continents, with Arsenal, the reigning European champions, and Gotham FC, the CONCACAF champions, receiving byes to the semi-finals.
Earlier on Wednesday, Gotham FC will take on Corinthians, the current Copa Libertadores holders. The winners of this match will advance to play against the victor of Arsenal and ASFAR in the final, while the losing teams will compete for third place. This semi-final presents Arsenal with the first opportunity to secure silverware this season.
Arsenal enters this match buoyed by their recent successful outing, a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. As the favorites, the Gunners will be looking to leverage their strong form, but Coach Renee Slegers will need to consider squad rotation with another match slated for Sunday. It remains to be seen whether ASFAR, known for their dominance in Moroccan football, will maintain their aggressive high-pressing style or adopt a more defensive strategy against the Gunners.
In team news, Kyra Cooney-Cross returns to the Arsenal squad but is not expected to start following compassionate leave. Chloe Kelly is also back after recovering from a knee injury, while Leah Williamson, Manu Zinsberger, Katie Reid, and Michelle Agyemang are sidelined with injuries. Olivia Smith returns from domestic suspension, and Frida Maanum is available after a training incident.
Coach Renee Slegers noted ASFAR’s impressive record in their league, highlighting their technical prowess and the quality of their players. Slegers expects a fearless performance from the Moroccan team, which will be crucial in presenting their brand of football on this international stage.
Though Arsenal and ASFAR have never faced each other, ASFAR has built a formidable reputation in Moroccan women’s football, dominating the league with 12 titles in 13 seasons and winning the CAF Champions League twice. Their military connections provide financial stability for players, further enhancing their competitive edge. With significant government investment in women’s football in Morocco, ASFAR remains a well-funded team, contributing to the national team that made it to the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup.
Caitlin Foord is a player to watch for Arsenal, as she aims to improve her goal contributions this season. Despite a slow start in terms of statistics, her consistent performances indicate she is due for a breakout game, especially with the return of key players like Olivia Smith and Chloe Kelly.
The match against ASFAR kicks off at 6 PM, with live coverage available on Sky Sports in the UK. Following the match, Slegers will provide insights during her post-game press conference, and fans can look forward to updates on the subsequent matches in the tournament. This competition holds the potential for both teams to make history, and the anticipation for the semi-final is palpable.