TP Mazembe secured their first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over ASFAR in the final on Saturday evening, held at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco.
The DR Congo side’s triumph came courtesy of an early penalty from Marlene Yav Kasaj in the 10th minute, awarded after a handball by ASFAR defender Aziza Rabbah.
Despite several missed opportunities to extend their lead, TP Mazembe held firm to claim the continental crown.
The hosts, ASFAR, struggled to break down a resilient Mazembe defense throughout the match.
They failed to find any attacking rhythm, and their hopes of adding to their 2022 continental title were dashed.
Mazembe started the game strongly, and after Kasaj’s penalty, they came close to doubling their advantage just six minutes later.
Merveille Kanjinga, however, missed a gilt-edged chance following a well-worked move on the right wing by Lacho Marta.
The match became more evenly contested as it progressed, with the first half seeing little goalmouth action following the early strike.
In the second half, Mazembe made a change, introducing Elena Nkuandum, who had an early chance but her shot went just wide.
Kanjinga also tested ASFAR goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi with a header in the 58th minute, but Errmichi produced a fine save.
ASFAR pushed for an equalizer as the match wore on, but Mazembe’s counter-attacks proved dangerous, and the Moroccan side was unable to capitalize on their chances.
With the final whistle, TP Mazembe emerged victorious, becoming only the third team in the competition’s history to win the title, alongside ASFAR and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Match details:
- ASFAR: Errmichi, Benzina, Said, Rabbah, Chhiri (Boukhami 86’), Chaymaa, Erroudany (Redouani 65’), Boukhami, El Madani, Mssoudy, Banouk (Okpala 79’)
- TP Mazembe: Ngoy, Nzumba, Kalala, Ngambe, Moumazim, Yav Kasaj, Mawanda, Marta, Kreto (Baffour 60’), Mohlakoana (Nkuandum 46’), Kanjinga
