TP Mazembe claimed a shock victory over Wadi Degla in their Caf Women’s Champions League group stage opener on Monday as they beat the 2021 hosts 1-0 at Stade de Marrakech.
The DR Congo champions were making their first ever appearance on the continent and went on to stun second-time competing North African winners thanks to a blistering strike from forward Merveille Kanjinga.
The game started with the two teams matching each other well, but Congolese forward Kanjinga had the first good chance in the fourth minute but her long shot was saved by Wadi goalkeeper Alexandra Masłowski.
The deadlock was broken when Naomie Siala Kabakaba raced into the area from the left wing to set up Kanjinga to blast past Masłowski with superb aplomb in the seventh minute.
Wadi, however, made purposeful efforts to break down the defensive line but the Congolese continued to hold on to their slender lead, rebuffing the attack of the Egyptians.
On return from recess, the Congolese and the Egyptians had a fair share of possessions but no breakthroughs as the sole Central African representatives held on to their slim lead despite Justine Bouso Onderumbu late sending off.
Following Mazembe’s triumph, midfielder Richanelle Kiteko won the Woman of the Match, having starred in the middle of the park for the Congolese to earn a narrow win on their debut.
The win takes Mazembe to second on the Group B log with three points behind leaders Sundowns on inferior goals difference and will now confront Bayelsa Queens in their next group stage match on November 3.
Source: Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF)