TP Mazembe have won the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League title after they defeated ASFAR 1-0 in the final on Saturday evening, played at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida in Morocco.
The Ravens won their first continental crown thanks to Marlene Yav Kasaj’s early penalty, but had other chances throughout a strong performance to add to their advantage. Despite their profligacy, the DR Congo side claimed the victory and become the third champions of the competition, joining their opponents, as well as South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, on the honours board.
As for ASFAR, the Moroccan hosts were unable to find any kind of attacking rhythm against a well-organised Mazembe, and they were left frustrated in their attempt to add to their previous continental triumph in 2022.
TPM started strongly and claimed the lead in the 10th minute, with Marlene Yav Kasaj scoring from a penalty. The spot kick was awarded by VAR for a hand-ball from ASFAR defender Aziza Rabbah.
Six minutes later the DR Congo side should have doubled their advantage, but Merveille Kanjinga missed a virtual open goal after great work from Lacho Marta down the right flank.
The teams went on to cancel each other out for the rest of the first half, with no further clear chances, and the game was 1-0 in favour of Mazembe at the interval.
The Ravens shuffled their attack at the start of the second half by introducing Elena Nkuandum, and the substitute flashed a shot just off target in the early minutes after the restart.
Kanjinga also sent a header on target in the 58th minute, but ASFAR goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi made a fine save.
As the second half wore on, the Moroccan side became more and more desperate in their attempts to get back into the match, allowing Mazembe more chances on the counter attack, but the score remained just 1-0 up to the final whistle.
ASFAR 0
TP Mazembe (1) 1 (Yav Kasaj pen’ 10’)
ASFAR: Errmichi, Benzina, Said, Rabbah, Chhiri (Boukhami 86’), Chaymaa, Erroudany (Redouani 65’), Boukhami, El Madani, Mssoudy, Banouk (Okpala 79’)
TPM: Ngoy, Nzumba, Kalala, Ngambe, Moumazim, Yav Kasaj, Mawanda, Marta, Kreto (Baffour 60’), Mohlakoana (Nkuandum 46’), Kanjinga
