Maniema Union vs Azam 2-0 Highlights: 2025-11-23 CAF Confederation Cup Match Report

In a thrilling encounter at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, Maniema Union secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Azam in the opening match of the CAF Confederation Cup Round 1. The home side displayed a dominant performance from start to finish, showcasing their prowess on the pitch and setting the tone for their campaign in the continental competition.

The match kicked off with both teams looking to make an early impact, but it was Maniema Union who seized the initiative with a flurry of attacking plays. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 25th minute when forward Mputu Kabongo found the back of the net with a clinical finish, sending the home fans into raptures.

Azam, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Maniema Union’s attacking threat and found themselves on the back foot for much of the first half. Despite some promising build-up play, they were unable to break down the resilient defense of the home side.

As the second half commenced, Maniema Union continued to dictate the tempo of the game, controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities. Their efforts were rewarded in the 65th minute when midfielder Nkama Yves doubled their lead with a well-taken goal, extending their advantage and putting the result beyond doubt.

Azam fought valiantly to claw their way back into the match, but Maniema Union’s solid defensive display kept them at bay. The home side’s goalkeeper, Mbemba Mukelenge, was in fine form, making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet and secure the victory for his team.

The final whistle blew, signaling a well-deserved 2-0 triumph for Maniema Union in their opening fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup. The result sees them take an early lead in their group and sets a positive tone for the remainder of their campaign.

Overall, it was a commanding performance from Maniema Union, who showcased their quality and determination on the continental stage. As they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, they will take confidence from this impressive victory and aim to build on their momentum as they pursue success in the CAF Confederation Cup.

• Maniema Union will play with Nairobi United. November 30 at 13:00 (GMT), on Nyayo National Stadium.
• Azam will play with Wydad AC. November 28 at 16:00 (GMT), on Azam Complex Stadium.

Maniema Union

• Lupini Dieumerci (6.9)
• Osée Ndombele (6.9)
• Exaucia Moanda (6.6)
• Jeancy Mpindi (6.3)
• Obed Mbala (6.9)
• Jeancy Mboma (6.2)
• Onoya Sangana (6.6)
• Clément Pitroipa (6.9)
• Christian Balako (7.6)

Azam

Substitutions:

Maniema Union

• J. Kabamba
• Obed Mbala
• Clément Pitroipa

Azam

• Y. Zayd (S. Kanoute, 46)
• I. S. Nado (Z. Omary, 84)
• H. M. Mkami (N. S. Hamoud, 88)
• J. Kitambala (C. Diakite, 90)

Ball possession:

In a thrilling encounter between Maniema Union and Azam, the ball possession was dominated by the visitors, with Azam enjoying 65% of the possession compared to Maniema Union’s 35%. The match showcased a tale of two teams with contrasting styles of play, as Azam’s fluid passing and attacking flair clashed with Maniema Union’s resolute defending and quick counter-attacking.

Maniema Union displayed their clinical edge in front of goal, registering 5 shots on target and 5 shots on goal. The talismanic Jeancy Mboma was at the heart of their attacking threat, constantly testing the Azam defense with his sharp movement and eye for goal.

On the other hand, Azam showcased their attacking prowess with 14 shots on target, albeit only managing to convert 2 into goals. J. Kitambala stood out for Azam, demonstrating his composure in front of goal and making the most of the limited opportunities that came his way.

Overall, the match was a pulsating affair with Azam’s dominance in possession countered by Maniema Union’s efficient use of the ball. The contrasting styles of play made for an entertaining spectacle for the fans in attendance, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch in pursuit of victory.

Passes:

In a thrilling encounter between Maniema Union and Azam, the passing accuracy of the players was a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. Exaucia Moanda of Maniema Union showcased excellent precision in passing, boasting an impressive 85% pass accuracy from a total of 20 passes. On the other hand, Detan Ogundare of Azam displayed exceptional control over his passes, with a remarkable 92% pass accuracy from a total of 64 passes.

Clément Pitroipa of Maniema Union was a standout performer in terms of creating opportunities, delivering 3 key passes that kept the opposition defense on their toes. Feisal Salum Abdalla of Azam was equally influential, providing 4 key passes that added an element of unpredictability to his team’s attacking play.

The battle of passing accuracy between these talented players added an intriguing dynamic to the match, with each pass contributing to the overall flow and momentum of the game. As the match unfolded, it was evident that the ability to maintain high pass accuracy was crucial in dictating the tempo and control of play.

In the end, it was Detan Ogundare’s exceptional pass accuracy combined with the creative flair of Feisal Salum Abdalla that ultimately tipped the scales in favor of Azam, securing a hard-fought victory over Maniema Union. The precision and creativity demonstrated by these players on the pitch served as a testament to their skill and tactical awareness, making them vital assets to their respective teams in the pursuit of success.

Overall, the clash of passing accuracy in this match highlighted the importance of technical proficiency and strategic awareness in modern football, showcasing the impact that individual players can have on the outcome of a game.

Defense:

In a tightly contested match between Maniema Union and Azam, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams battled to secure a valuable result. Maniema Union emerged victorious, showcasing their defensive solidity with a total of 11 interceptions throughout the match, led by the impressive Jeancy Mpindi who made 3 crucial interceptions to thwart Azam’s attacking threats.

On the other hand, Azam struggled to break through Maniema Union’s defensive lines, managing only 4 interceptions, with Yahya Omary leading the way with 2 interceptions. The lack of significant defensive contributions from Azam allowed Maniema Union to maintain control and limit their opponent’s scoring opportunities.

Exaucia Moanda stood out for Maniema Union with 1 interception, contributing to the team’s overall defensive resilience. In contrast, Azam failed to register any interceptions from their defensive players, highlighting their difficulties in disrupting Maniema Union’s attacking plays.

Overall, the match was defined by the defensive actions of both teams, with Maniema Union showcasing a solid defensive performance through their ability to read and intercept Azam’s attacking moves effectively. Azam, on the other hand, struggled to match their opponent’s defensive intensity, ultimately falling short in their bid to secure a positive result.

The focus on defensive actions, including interceptions and blocks, added a tactical dimension to the match, highlighting the importance of defensive organization and discipline in shaping the outcome of the game. Maniema Union’s superior defensive display ultimately proved decisive, securing them a hard-fought victory in a keenly contested encounter.

Face-to-face:

In a fiercely contested match between Maniema Union and Azam, the battle for possession was intense, with key players engaging in numerous face-to-face duels for the ball. Leading the charge for his team was Christian Balako of Maniema Union, who engaged in an impressive 10 face-to-face fights for the ball throughout the match. On the opposing side, Detan Ogundare of Azam showcased his tenacity by participating in 8 such duels, adding to the intensity of the midfield battle.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were determined to assert their dominance on the pitch, with Balako and Ogundare at the forefront of their respective teams’ efforts. The midfield became a battleground as these two players clashed repeatedly in their quest to win possession and drive their teams forward.

Balako’s relentless energy and commitment to every duel set the tone for Maniema Union, inspiring his teammates to match his level of determination. Meanwhile, Ogundare’s resilience and skill in the face of tough opposition provided Azam with a solid foundation to build their attacks from.

Despite the best efforts of both players, the match ended in a hard-fought stalemate, with neither team able to break the deadlock. However, the performances of Balako and Ogundare in the midfield will be remembered as key elements in the intense battle that unfolded on the pitch.

Overall, the clash between Maniema Union and Azam was a testament to the competitive spirit of football, with players like Balako and Ogundare showcasing the grit and determination required to succeed at the highest level. Their performance in the face-to-face duels for the ball added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling match, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• Feisal Salum Abdalla (Azam) at 41 minute
• H. M. Mkami (Azam) at 76 minute
• Y. Diaby (Azam) at 84 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• Maniema Union – W
• Azam – L

Top 5 CAF Confederation Cup scorers:

1. Chadoma Mukeni (1, Maniema Union)
2. Christian Balako (1, Maniema Union)
3. (0, )
4. (0, )
5. (0, )

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Maniema Union will play with Nairobi United. November 30 at 13:00 (GMT), on Nyayo National Stadium.
• Azam will play with Wydad AC. November 28 at 16:00 (GMT), on Azam Complex Stadium.