DR Congo side TP Mazembe have secured their spot in the final phase of the CAF Women’s Champions League, marking their return two years after their inaugural participation in 2022.
However, the journey was anything but smooth for the team coached by Lamia Boumehdi.
In a tense match against Lekié Football Filles, the Mazembe players found themselves under immense pressure.
As the leaders of the tournament heading into their final match, the Corbelles needed at least a draw to ensure their place in Africa’s premier club competition for women’s teams.
The pressure from the Cameroonian side led to mistakes from the Lushoise players, which were quickly punished.
Just after halftime, in the 47th minute, Adrienne Mekuko capitalized on a defensive lapse to give her team the lead.
At this crucial juncture, it was Lekié Football Filles who were temporarily in the driver’s seat, heading towards qualification.
But, as she has done so many times before, Esther Dikisha stepped up in the decisive moments, curling a shot perfectly into the top corner of the opposition’s goal, bringing the match level and putting TP Mazembe back on top of the tournament.
The result is now final: the triumphant Congolese side, cheered on by their home fans, will represent UNIFFAC in the final phase of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In another match of the day, Atlético de Malabo secured their first win, beating CSM Diables Noirs 3-2.
Source: CAF ONline
