Defending a continental title rarely begins smoothly in the CAF Women’s Champions League. Over the years, reigning champions have often endured difficult starts – sometimes against debutants.
With the exception of 2022, when Mamelodi Sundowns enjoyed a perfect group-stage campaign with three wins, defending champions have consistently stumbled in their opening matches.
A look back at some of those opening-day setbacks:
2026: AS FAR stunned by Kawempe Muslim Ladies
African champions in 2025, AS FAR endured a difficult start to their bid for a second straight title. Facing Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies, the Moroccan side were surprised 3-2 in a closely contested encounter.
Against a fearless Kawempe side, the defending champions dropped valuable points in their opener. It was a memorable, prestigious victory for the Ugandan side over the reigning champions.
2025: TP Mazembe caught out by ASEC Mimosas
Crowned champions in 2024, TP Mazembe aimed to become the first club to successfully defend the trophy.
Their ambitions were immediately challenged by ASEC Mimosas. Making their first appearance in the final tournament, the Ivorian side produced a major upset with a 1-0 victory.
In a closely fought encounter, the decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Habibou Ouédraogo finished off a well-worked team move. ASEC defended resolutely to resist Mazembe’s equaliser attempts.
2024: Mamelodi Sundowns fall to FC Masar
Two-time African champions Mamelodi Sundowns also suffered an opening-match setback in 2024, losing 1-0 to Egypt’s FC Masar.
The South African side struggled to impose their usual dominance as Masar showed character and determination to secure a historic win, underlining their ability to compete with Africa’s established sides.
2023: AS FAR caught off guard by Ampem Darkoa
After their triumph in 2022, AS FAR entered the next edition determined to cement their place at the summit of African women’s football.
But they were caught off guard by Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa, who secured a 2-1 victory on their debut in the competition with an outstanding performance.
Another reminder that the CAF Women’s Champions League leaves little room for complacency, even for the continent’s most experienced teams.
