The 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League enters its decisive knockout stage on Wednesday, with debutants Lekié Football Filles of Cameroon and Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies facing formidable challenges against continental heavyweights AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals in Egypt.

Both newcomers have already made history by reaching the last four on their maiden appearances at the competition, but their ambitions will face their toughest examination yet against two of Africa’s most established women’s clubs.

Cameroonian champions Lekié will take on defending champions AS FAR of Morocco in the first semi-final, while Kawempe Muslim Ladies will battle South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the second encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

Lekié booked their place in the semi-finals after recovering from a difficult start in Group A. Following a goalless draw against FUS Rabat and a 2-1 defeat to Sundowns, the Cameroonian side delivered when it mattered most, defeating hosts FC Masar 2-1 in their final group fixture to finish second with four points.

Their reward is a meeting with an AS FAR side that remains one of the competition’s dominant forces and is seeking to retain the continental crown.

The Moroccan champions topped Group B after a 2-0 victory over Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa in their final group match, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Youssoufi getting the goals.

However, AS FAR will be wary of Lekié’s growing confidence, particularly after the Cameroonian debutants demonstrated their ability to recover under pressure and deliver in a decisive fixture.

The second semi-final promises another intriguing contest as Kawempe Muslim Ladies attempt to upset two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kawempe produced one of the biggest surprises of the group stage, defeating defending champions AS FAR 3-2 before sealing qualification with a commanding 3-0 win over Mali’s USFAS Bamako.

Agnes Nabukenya has been central to the Ugandan club’s impressive campaign, scoring twice against USFAS to take her tally to four goals at the tournament.

Her performances have made her one of the standout attacking players of the competition, and Sundowns will need to contain her threat if they are to reach another final.

The South African champions, meanwhile, finished top of Group A with seven points after recording victories over Lekié and FUS Rabat, alongside a goalless draw against hosts FC Masar.

Sundowns are chasing a third CAF Women’s Champions League title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2021 and 2023. They are also seeking a fourth appearance in the final.

The Brazilians have an impressive record against East African opposition, winning all four previous encounters at the competition without conceding a goal.

However, Kawempe will be encouraged by their attacking form and the confidence gained from their group-stage victory over AS FAR.

Wednesday’s semi-finals therefore present an interesting clash between established continental champions and ambitious newcomers determined to extend their historic journeys.

The possibility of both debutants reaching the final would provide another remarkable storyline in a competition increasingly demonstrating the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s club football across Africa.

CAF Women’s Champions League 2026 – Semi-finals

Wednesday, November 11

• AS FAR (Morocco) vs Lekié Football Filles (Cameroon) – 14:00 local time.
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies (Uganda) – 17:00 local time.

Both matches will be played at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s final scheduled for November 15.