African champions AS FAR Rabat was Morocco's first professional outfit and has invested in its women's team like no other in Africa over the past decade. They have dominated domestically, winning all but one league title since 2013, but were tested heavily by European champions Arsenal. They received a bye through the first round then beat Chinese club Wuhan Jiangda in extra time to earn the right to take on Arsenal. Arsenal will have been keen to build momentum and this was a strong way of doing so, especially knowing league leaders Manchester City are up next. It would also be the perfect way to cap off their Champions League success, by going one step further in this new global competition.

Source: BBC January 28, 2026 21:30 UTC