AS Maniema Union stun Petro de Luanda to make CAF Champions League history
AS Maniema Union of DR Congo made history on Saturday by securing their first-ever spot in the CAF Champions League group stage, knocking out Angolan champions Petro de Luanda. In a shock result, Maniema Union stunned the hosts with a narrow 1-0 victory in Luanda, sealing their place in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.
The Congolese side had already gained an important advantage in the first leg, holding Petro to a 1-1 draw.
The return leg at the Estádio 11 de Novembro saw Petro de Luanda backed by their passionate home supporters, but the Angolan champions failed to break down a resolute Maniema defense.
Maniema Union, under pressure for much of the match, took their chance and held on for a crucial 1-0 win.
Their remarkable performance in both legs of the tie resulted in a 2-1 aggregate victory, eliminating Petro de Luanda and securing a place in the group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
The result was a major upset, as Petro de Luanda are one of Angola’s most successful teams and were expected to progress further in the competition.
However, Maniema Union’s resolute display and tactical discipline saw them pull off a memorable victory.
Meanwhile, TP Mazembe, another Congolese giant and five-time CAF Champions League winners, had to work hard to fend off a resilient Red Arrows side from Zambia.
Mazembe had built a solid foundation with a 2-0 victory in the first leg, but the return fixture in Lubumbashi proved to be more challenging.
The Zambian visitors, determined to cause an upset of their own, put up a spirited fight.
However, TP Mazembe’s experience and composure saw them edge Red Arrows 2-1 in the second leg, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory and booking their place in the group stage once again.
As the CAF Champions League continues, attention now shifts to the remaining fixtures on Sunday, where more spots in the group stages are up for grabs.
Teams from across the continent will battle for the chance to join Africa’s elite clubs in the next phase of the competition.
Maniema Union’s historic triumph will be remembered as one of the standout moments of this season’s Champions League, a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that the tournament brings.
Their journey to the group stage has now opened the door for more surprises as they look to continue their remarkable run in Africa’s top-tier competition.
