Photo Credit: CAF Women's Football
DR Congo's TP Mazembe are the champions of African women's club football after the Ravens secured a 1-0 victory over host club AS FAR in Saturday's final played in El Jadida, Morocco. Marlene Yav converted a penalty kick in the opening ten minutes for the only goal of the match to give the ladies department of the Congolese giants their first continental crown. For the second consecutive edition, Morocco's AS FAR fall short in the final.
After losing in the final against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns last year, it was clear that AS FAR were feeling additional pressure. Mazembe, led by Moroccan tactician Lamia Boumedhi, took advantage of the tension and were fearless in the early exchanges.
The Ravens were rewarded for their assertive approach before ten minutes elapsed. A shot attempt inside the AS FAR penalty area was handled by a defender and VAR called the referee over, who decided to award a penalty to Mazembe. Following a long delay, Yav placed her penalty into the top corner past experienced AS FAR goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Despite the impressive firepower AS FAR have in their squad, the Mazembe defense frustrated the Royal Army club throughout the remainder of the match. A desperate push at the end saw the Moroccan champions attempt to find the crucial equalizer but TP Mazembe held out for the full time whistle and celebrations of relief and delight.
Video: Marlene Yav converts her penalty kick for the only goal of the match
Comments