In a historic moment for women’s football in Africa, TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo has clinched the title of CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024. The victory was achieved through a tightly contested final held at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, where they faced off against AS FAR, the former champions and hosts of the tournament. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Mazembe, marking their first title in the Women’s Champions League and providing a dramatic reversal from their disappointment of being eliminated at the group stage in 2022.
The environment was electric, with a supportive home crowd rallying behind AS FAR, but Mazembe demonstrated remarkable tenacity throughout the encounter. They took early control of the match when Marlene Kasaj netted the only goal from a penalty within the first ten minutes. That early lead established a strong foundation for Mazembe, who then focused on maintaining their advantage against the relentless pressure from AS FAR seeking to equalize.
Despite AS FAR’s determination and aggressive approach to find the equalizer, Mazembe’s defense proved resolute. They withstood wave after wave of attacks, preventing the hosts from breaching their defenses even as they pushed harder in search of a goal. The strong defensive display was crucial in ensuring that Mazembe upheld their clean sheet through the first half of the match, further frustrating the hopes of AS FAR.
As the second half commenced, TP Mazembe shocked many by coming out more aggressively than before, seemingly aiming to secure their victory with a second goal. Their proactive approach kept AS FAR on the back foot for parts of the half, demonstrating remarkable tactical discipline. As AS FAR finally managed to regain their rhythm and press hard for an equalizer, Mazembe’s organized defensive line continued to thwart their attempts, showcasing a blend of skill and strategic planning.
The match culminated in TP Mazembe celebrating their hard-fought triumph, having not only claimed the prestigious CAF Women’s Champions League trophy but also earned $600,000 in prize money. This victory will undoubtedly have lasting implications for women’s football in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as it highlights the potential for growth and excellence in the sport at the national level.
On the other hand, AS FAR, despite their spirited performance, will have to settle for a runners-up position and a prize of $400,000. The loss adds to the complexity of their search for a second title, a goal that eludes them despite being former champions. Ultimately, this tournament has showcased the rising quality and competitiveness of women’s football in Africa, and TP Mazembe’s victory heralds a new chapter for the sport on the continent.
