Congolese club AS Maniema Union delivered a disciplined and clinical performance to hand Wydad Casablanca a 2-1 defeat in their CAF Confederation Cup Group B clash on Sunday at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
The host asserted control from the opening exchanges, stifling Wydad’s attack and dictating the tempo throughout the first half. Their dominance was rewarded in the 34th minute when Beni Namboka struck to give the hosts a deserved lead at the break. Wydad, despite arriving as group leaders, failed to register a single attempt on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
Maniema Union maintained their grip on the contest after the restart and doubled their advantage just after the hour mark. Clement Pitroipa unleashed a fierce long-range effort that struck the post before rebounding off the back of diving goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid and into the net, compounding the visitors’ troubles.
Wydad head coach Mohamed Benhachem handed a first start to former France international Wissam Ben Yedder, while Hakim Ziyech was unavailable, a combination that left the Moroccan side lacking cohesion and cutting edge in the final third. The visitors struggled to penetrate a well-organised Maniema Union defence, with chances at a premium.
The breakthrough that set the tone for the match came late in the first half when Chadoma Ozome Mukeni showed composure in midfield, slipping past a defender before teeing up Namboka on the right. The Republic of Congo international kept his effort low and precise, sending it beyond Benabid to ignite celebrations among the home supporters.
Although Hamza Hannouri reduced the deficit from the penalty spot for Wydad, the goal failed to spark a comeback. Even the late introduction of South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch, in what proved to be his final appearance for the club, could not inspire a response from the Moroccan giants.
Maniema Union saw out the closing stages with confidence to secure a vital victory that moves them level with Wydad at the top of Group B on nine points.
Full time. AS Maniema Union edge Wydad AC 2-1. 🔚#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/FzsVNXMTHd
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 1, 2026
The Congolese side will next travel to Zanzibar to face Azam FC, while Wydad turn their attention to an away fixture in Kenya against Nairobi United.
