TP Mazembe Secures African Women’s Champions League Title in Upset Victory

TP Mazembe claimed their inaugural African Women’s Champions League title, achieving an unexpected 1-0 victory over AS FAR. This win establishes them as the third club to lift the trophy, following two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR. Marlene Kasaj scored the sole goal of the match in El Jadida during the 10th minute, converting a penalty awarded after AS FAR captain Aziza Rabbah was penalized for a handball infraction. Six minutes subsequent to the goal, the DR Congo team had an opportunity to extend their advantage, but Merveille Kanjinga, positioned unmarked, shot wide from seven yards. AS FAR had been considered favorites to secure another continental title, building on their 2022 triumph, especially as the Moroccan team was competing on home ground and had previously defeated TP Mazembe 3-1 during their group stage encounter on 12 November. Despite expectations, AS FAR delivered a subdued performance, failing to challenge Ravens goalkeeper Fideline Ngoy. Their most promising opportunity was squandered by tournament top scorer Doha El Madani, who had scored six goals en route to the final, as she sent a first-half free-kick wide. During the celebrations, TP Mazembe’s coach, Lamia Boumehdi, was lifted into the air by her players as the Lubumbashi-based team became the third club to win the African Women’s Champions League. The Ravens were awarded $600,000 (£479,000) in prize money, an amount that was increased for the tournament’s fourth edition, while the runners-up received $400,000 (£319,000). Marlene Kasaj, with her second goal of the finals, proved to be the decisive scorer for TP Mazembe. Although TP Mazembe was competing in the final for the first time, it was the Moroccan side that exhibited an anxious start. Ravens forward Kgalebane Mohlakoana had an initial shot blocked, and her subsequent attempt was deflected directly to AS FAR goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. Video replays confirmed that the ball had made contact with the arm of centre-back Rabbah, leading to the eventual award of a penalty after an extended video assistant referee (VAR) review. Kasaj converted the spot-kick by placing it right of center, narrowly evading Er-Rmichi’s dive. Shortly thereafter, TP Mazembe missed an excellent opportunity to double their lead to 2-0. Lacho Marta advanced down the right flank and delivered a cutback pass to striker Kanjinga, who, with an open goal, struck her shot just wide of the left-hand post. AS FAR found it difficult to assert control over the match and posed minimal threat in the second half, while the Ravens appeared more poised to increase their advantage. With nine minutes remaining, Ngoy misjudged a cross, but the ball did not fall to El Madani, and the scoring opportunity quickly dissipated. Morocco’s coach, Jorge Vilda, attended the match, which occurred a day after the North African team was drawn into a group with DR Congo for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. However, it was the Central African players who outperformed the Atlas Lionesses representatives present, securing a merited win.