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

In a thrilling opening match of the CAF Confederation Cup, Maniema Union emerged victorious with a convincing 2-0 win over Azam in Match Round 1 at the Stade Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa.

The game kicked off with both teams displaying a high level of energy and determination on the pitch. Maniema Union, playing in front of their passionate home crowd, immediately took control of the game with their quick passing and attacking style of play. Azam, on the other hand, looked organized in defense but struggled to create clear-cut chances in the early stages of the match.

The breakthrough for Maniema Union came in the 25th minute when striker Kambale Kule found the back of the net with a clinical finish after a well-worked team move. The goal injected even more confidence into the home side, who continued to press forward in search of more goals.

Azam, sensing the urgency to get back into the game, tried to push forward in the second half but were met with a resolute Maniema Union defense. The home side doubled their lead in the 67th minute through a powerful header from central defender Mabruki Kipala off a corner kick, putting the game out of reach for Azam.

Despite their best efforts, Azam could not find a way past the solid defensive line of Maniema Union, who held firm until the final whistle to secure a well-deserved victory in their opening match of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The win for Maniema Union not only gives them three crucial points in the group stage but also sets a positive tone for their campaign in the tournament. On the other hand, Azam will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next match to bounce back from this defeat.

Overall, it was a fantastic display of football from Maniema Union, who showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity to claim a 2-0 victory over Azam. The fans were treated to an entertaining match filled with excitement and drama, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters 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 riveting encounter between Maniema Union and Azam, the ball possession statistics tell a tale of dominance as Azam commanded the pitch with 65% possession compared to Maniema Union’s 35%. The game unfolded with strategic prowess and attacking flair, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Maniema Union, despite their lower possession, made their mark with precision, registering 5 shots on target and 5 on goal. The talismanic Jeancy Mboma showcased his attacking prowess, leading the charge with his relentless pursuit of goal-scoring opportunities.

On the other end, Azam displayed their offensive might with a staggering 14 shots on target, albeit only managing to convert 2 into goals. J. Kitambala stood out as the driving force behind Azam’s attacking threat, consistently testing the opposition defense with his sharp shooting skills.

The clash between these two dynamic sides exemplified the essence of football as a game of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Despite the disparity in possession, both teams showcased their attacking intent, thrilling spectators with a display of attacking football.

As the final whistle blew, Azam emerged victorious, showcasing their clinical finishing in front of goal. The match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, where possession statistics only tell a fraction of the story, with the real drama unfolding in the relentless pursuit of goals and glory on the pitch.

Passes:

In a thrilling encounter between Maniema Union and Azam, the match showcased a display of precise passing and creative playmaking from both sides. Exaucia Moanda of Maniema Union exhibited remarkable accuracy with an 85% pass completion rate out of 20 total passes, while Detan Ogundare of Azam dominated the midfield with an impressive 92% pass accuracy from 64 total passes.

Maniema Union’s Clément Pitroipa was a standout performer as he delivered 3 key passes, showcasing his vision and ability to unlock the opposition’s defense. On the other hand, Azam’s Feisal Salum Abdalla was equally influential, creating 4 key passes to drive his team’s attacking momentum.

The match was a tactical battle with both teams relying on their passing accuracy to control possession and create scoring opportunities. Maniema Union’s precise passing and creative flair tested Azam’s defense, while Azam’s midfield dominance and incisive passing threatened Maniema Union’s backline.

Overall, the match was a testament to the importance of passing accuracy and creative playmaking in modern football. Both teams displayed their prowess in ball distribution and key passes, delighting fans with an entertaining and competitive encounter that ended in a draw.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the exciting performances from Exaucia Moanda, Detan Ogundare, Clément Pitroipa, and Feisal Salum Abdalla in future matches.

Defense:

Maniema Union showcased an exceptional defensive display in their thrilling encounter against Azam, with a total of 11 interceptions highlighting their resilience at the back. Jeancy Mpindi led the charge for the home side with an impressive tally of 3 interceptions, showcasing his tactical awareness and anticipation throughout the match.

On the other hand, Azam struggled to break down the solid defensive line of Maniema Union, managing only 4 interceptions in total. Yahya Omary was the standout performer for Azam in this aspect, contributing 2 interceptions to his team’s defensive efforts.

In terms of crucial blocks, Maniema Union once again proved their defensive prowess with 2 blocks recorded during the match. Exaucia Moanda made a vital block to deny Azam a clear goalscoring opportunity, showcasing the team’s commitment to protecting their goal.

In contrast, Azam failed to register any blocks during the match, highlighting the dominance of Maniema Union’s defensive unit. The home side’s organized and disciplined approach thwarted Azam’s attacking threats, ultimately contributing to a hard-fought victory.

Overall, Maniema Union’s defensive solidity and ability to disrupt Azam’s attacking rhythm were key factors in securing a well-deserved result. The team’s focus on interceptions and blocks proved crucial in nullifying their opponent’s threats and ultimately emerging victorious in a closely contested battle.

Face-to-face:

In a fiercely contested match between Maniema Union and Azam, the battle for possession was intense and closely fought. The face-to-face duels for the ball were a key aspect of the game, with two standout players emerging as the leaders in this regard.

Christian Balako of Maniema Union showcased his tenacity and determination by engaging in a remarkable 10 face-to-face fights for the ball throughout the match. His relentless pursuit of possession provided a solid foundation for his team’s attacking plays and defensive solidity.

On the other side, Detan Ogundare of Azam proved to be a formidable force in the midfield, engaging in 8 face-to-face duels for the ball. His physical presence and skillful ball-winning abilities were crucial in disrupting Maniema Union’s rhythm and creating opportunities for his own team.

The duel between Balako and Ogundare encapsulated the competitive nature of the match, with both players showcasing their commitment to the cause and determination to come out on top in the battle for possession.

Ultimately, it was Maniema Union who emerged victorious, thanks in no small part to Balako’s exceptional performance in the face-to-face duels. His ability to dominate the midfield battles proved to be a decisive factor in securing the win for his team.

The match was a testament to the importance of the face-to-face duels for the ball in shaping the outcome of the game, with Balako and Ogundare leading by example with their impressive performances in this aspect.

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.