On Wednesday night, enthusiastic supporters will flock to cafes in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, to support their team against Arsenal.

However, they won’t be witnessing Mikel Arteta’s squad at Emirates Stadium.

Instead, they will watch the women’s team led by Renee Slegers face AS FAR at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium (18:00 GMT).

Earlier, Brazilian Corinthians squared off against Gotham FC from New York in the other semi-final of the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup (12:30).

The champions will meet at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 1 February (18:00) with a prize of $2.3 million (£1.7 million)—the largest single sum in women’s club football—awaiting the winners.

But who exactly is AS FAR—and how have they risen to become the queens of African football?

The Association Sportive des Forces Armees Royales (AS FAR) was established in 1958 by the late King Moulay El Hassan II, making it the military club of Morocco.

This link has enabled their women’s team to emerge as leaders in Africa.

Having faced fewer financial pressures than private clubs, AS FAR, which launched women’s football in 2001 as the nation’s first professional club, has made significant investments in its women’s program over the last decade.

They have been a dominant force nationally, capturing virtually every league title since 2013.

Known as The Soldiers, AS FAR has also claimed two continental championships since the inception of the African Women’s Champions League in 2021, with the latest title won in November, securing their position in this inaugural FIFA Champions Cup.

After receiving a bye in the first round, AS FAR overcame a deficit to defeat Chinese team Wuhan Jiangda in extra time, earning the opportunity to compete against Arsenal.

While they face a considerable challenge in this upcoming semi-final, they should not be underestimated. The squad features several Moroccan internationals, with seven players having been part of the Atlas Lionesses team that reached the knockout stage of the 2023 World Cup.

Annisa Lahmari, a graduate of Paris St-Germain’s academy, scored the decisive goal that propelled Morocco past Germany into the last 16 of the World Cup before transferring to AS FAR last year.

Arsenal needs to be cautious of skilled wingers Sanaa Mssoudy and Fatima Tagnaout, who are both regulars for Morocco.

This matchup marks the first occasion an African team will compete against a European side in a formal match.

“AS FAR’s match against Arsenal is a historic moment,” remarked former captain and current Morocco national team star Ghizlane Chebbak to BBC Sport.

“This event reflects the progress the club has achieved and marks significant advancements in women’s football in Morocco.”

Remarkable is indeed the word.

In the last ten years, Morocco has transitioned from a minor player in women’s football to one of Africa’s leading nations. This transition has been supported by significant investments from both the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the Moroccan government.

In 2020, the government allocated funds for every team in the top two divisions of women’s football, covering wages for players, coaches, and medical staff. This shift transformed those divisions from essentially amateur to professional overnight.

Each of the 14 teams in the top division is equipped with 13 full-time players receiving $500 (£369) a month from the Federation. An additional seven players receive $350 (£259), while head coaches are compensated $500. Although modest, this financial support establishes a baseline, akin to a universal basic income.

Clubs supplement these payments, with elite players in the league earning upwards of $2,000 (£1,475) per month.

“I’m just regretful I wasn’t able to experience this as a player,” reflects Khadija Illa, a former player and current president of the Moroccan league. “Yet, seeing the girls live this dream makes me feel as if I’m part of it.”

“Two decades ago, you might have asked, ‘Is anyone playing in Morocco?’ Now, we’re the champions of Africa preparing to face Arsenal.”