The 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League culminated in a historic victory for TP Mazembe, who claimed their maiden title with a resolute 1-0 win over AS FAR in the final held at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco. The triumph marked a significant moment for the Democratic Republic of Congo as TP Mazembe became the first Central African team to lift the coveted trophy, overcoming the heartbreak of their 2022 group-stage exit.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams demonstrating immense tactical discipline. Mazembe’s Marlene Kasaj provided the decisive moment of the game, converting a penalty within the opening 10 minutes. The early lead gave Mazembe something to protect, and they did so with grit and determination against the formidable AS FAR, who had the backing of a vocal home crowd. Kasaj’s goal, her second of the tournament from the spot, not only clinched the victory but also solidified her status as one of the standout players of the competition.
Despite conceding early, AS FAR displayed resilience, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Mazembe’s defense, led by a disciplined backline, ensured that the former champions were unable to find the back of the net throughout the first half. Interestingly, it was Mazembe who appeared more dangerous after the break, threatening to extend their lead and effectively kill off the game. AS FAR eventually regained momentum, but their efforts were thwarted by Mazembe’s unyielding defensive structure, which secured a clean sheet and the championship.
This victory cements TP Mazembe’s place in history as only the third team to win the CAF Women’s Champions League, following in the footsteps of Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR. They also became the first team to win the tournament after losing a game during the finals, underlining the unpredictable and competitive nature of the event.
Furthermore, Mazembe joined an elite group of clubs, including Sundowns and AS FAR, whose men’s and women’s teams have both won the CAF Champions League or its predecessor, the African Club of Champions Cup. The win also marked the first time in the tournament’s history that two coaches from the same country—Morocco’s Lamia Boumehdi and Mohamed Amine Alioua—faced each other in the final. Boumehdi, a former Moroccan women’s international, made history as the first female coach to win the CAF Women’s Champions League and the first to do so with a team outside her homeland.
For AS FAR, the defeat ended a five-game winning streak in the competition and marked their first home loss as tournament hosts. It was also the first time they failed to score at home in their finals history, breaking a nine-game scoring streak. Despite the loss, AS FAR remain the only team to finish in the top three of all four editions of the tournament, highlighting their consistency and dominance in African women’s football.
TP Mazembe’s triumph earned them a $600,000 prize, while AS FAR took home $400,000 as runners-up. Beyond the monetary reward, the victory represents a landmark moment for DR Congo football and the growing prominence of Central African teams in continental competitions.
The 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League final reinforced several trends and milestones. All four finals in the competition’s history have been decided without the losing team scoring, with Mazembe’s 1-0 win being the narrowest margin of victory. Additionally, Moroccan coaches now share the record for the most titles won, with Boumehdi’s win adding to the tally established by South Africa’s Jerry Tshabalala with Mamelodi Sundowns.
This edition of the tournament showcased the evolving competitiveness of African women’s football, with TP Mazembe proving that resilience, tactical discipline, and a touch of brilliance can lead to monumental success. Their victory is not just a testament to their journey but a sign of the growing depth and quality of the women’s game across the continent.
Sources
- https://punchng.com/tp-mazembe-win-caf-wcl-trophy/?amp
- https://www.cafonline.com/caf-womens-champions-league/news/caf-women-s-champions-league-final-post-match-facts/#:~:text=The%20CAF%20Women’s%20Champions%20League,0%20victory%20over%20AF%20FAR.&text=Below%20are%20the%20match%20facts%20of%20the%20fixture%3A&text=TP%20Mazembe%20are%20the%20third,Mamelodi%20Sundowns%20and%20AS%20FAR.
