* The DRC side were crowned the new champions of Africa for the first time – wiping away tears of their 2022 group stage exit
* With the crowd backing the hosts, Mazembe showed great resilience and courage in taking the match to the former champions
Maravi Express
TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which Malawi Scorchers forward Sabina Thom and Chimwemwe Madise play for, were crowned champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League 2024 after beating Moroccan side, AS FAR 1-0 yesterday.
Alongside Leticia Chinyamula, Sabinah scored 3 goals at the COSAFA Women’s Championship 2024, in which the defending champions were ousted in the semifinals by the eventual winners, Zambia.
Sabina on national duty at the COSAFA last month
Chimwemwe Madise was not part of the Scorchers squad this time around alongside Ireen Khumalo, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Rose Kadzere, and Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who did not participate due to club engagements.
CAFonline reports that yesterday’s final was a highly tactical and hard-fought 1-0 victory played in El Jadida’s Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in which TP Mazembe women were up against former champions and hosts, AS FAR
The DRC side were crowned the new champions of Africa for the first time – wiping away tears of their 2022 group stage exit.
With the crowd backing the hosts, Mazembe showed great resilience and courage in taking the match to the former champions who remain in search for what has been an elusive second title for them.
The highly fought match
The deciding goal of the fourth edition of the tournament came courtesy of a converted spot kick by Marlene Kasaj in the opening 10 minutes, which Mazembe protected throughout the match to seal the historic victory.
Despite the early concession, AS FAR kept believing and surged forward in search of the leveller, but a resolute Mazembe defense kept the clean sheet throughout the opening half.
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Coming back from the break, it was surprisingly Mazembe who looked more dangerous as they came out strong in an attempt to kill off the game.
The hosts eventually found their rhythm but again were met by a disciplined Mazembe defense, who kept the former champions at bay to secure Africa’s most sought-after women’s club football crown.
In addition to the coveted CAF Women’s Champions League trophy, TP Mazembe also take home US$600,000 in prize money, while runners-up AS FAR take home US$400,000.—Content by CAFonline; edited by Maravi Express
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