DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo side, TP Mazembe are officially the champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024.
A highly tactical and hard-fought 1-0 victory in the final played in El Jadida’s Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi against former champions and hosts, AS FAR, saw the DR Congo side 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 of what has been an elusive second title for them.
Mazembe enjoyed a great start to the final as they found the opening goal after just 10 minutes played.
Marlene Yav Kasaj scored from the penalty spot to break the deadlock and hand the Congolese side an early lead.
ASFAR, who were winners in 2022, mounted a spirited effort in an attempt to find the equaliser.
However, their efforts did very little to change the scoreline on the day as Mazembe held on to secure the trophy.
It was also revenge for Lamia Boumedhi’s side, who had lost their first meeting with the Moroccan side in the group stages.
TP Mazembe becomes the second club side to win both male and female CAF Champions League after Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa achieved that unique feat last year.
In addition to the coveted CAF Women’s Champions League trophy, TP Mazembe also takes home $600,000 in prize money, while runners-up AS FAR take home $400,000.
Egyptian side FCC Masar finished third after edging fellow debutantseens 4-3 on penalties after the tie ended goalless. FC Masar got $350,000 while Edo Queens went home with $300,000.
Best Player Of The Tournament – SANAA MSSOUDY
AS FAR playmaker, Sanaa Mssoudy was crowned the Best Player of the Tournament for her inspiring performances that led the former champions to the final.
Mssoudy not only found the back of the net twice but was key in getting her team forward as the orchestrator of attacks, while also capping it with assists.
Her speed and composure with the ball at her feet have seen her undoubtedly voted the best player of the tournament.
Top Goalscorer (6) DOHA EL MADANI
Teenage sensation, Doha El Madani has been a revelation for AS FAR at the finals, contributing six goals to the club’s journey to the final.
At just 19, El Madani has established herself as one of the future of Morocco and the continent.
With age on her side, El Madani’s exceptional ability to position herself and clinical finishing make her one of the best young women footballers in Africa.
Best Goalkeeper Of The Tournament – HABIBA EMAD
FC Masar may have been eliminated before the final, but their goalkeeper, Habiba Ema,d, made a mark.
Her spectacular saves and consistency helped her team to remain competitive against formidable opponents from the opening day of the tournament.
Her calmness and ability to repel opponent’s attacks earned her the best goalkeeper of the tournament, taking over from Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Andile Dlamini.
Fair Play Award – FC MASAR
Beyond the competition, FC Masar embodied the values of respect and discipline and were duly recognised for this with the Fair Play Award.
The Egyptians displayed exceptional sportsmanship, which is always encouraged across all CAF competitions.
Eighteen-Eleven Media