TP Mazembe’s objective of lifting the CAF Women’s Champions League got off to a great start in El Jadida after the DR Congo side overcame the University of the Western Cape 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match on Saturday.
Despite a shaky start, Mazembe held their nerve against the relentless attacks of the University side who are making their debut at the finals as COSAFA champions.
Mazembe, who return to the competition after their 2022 appearance secured victory thanks to second half goals by Lacho Marta as well as a late strike by Marveille Nanguji.
It was the South Africans who asked questions of their opponents in the opening minutes with quick attacks that were often problematic for Mazembe.
Most UWC attacks were initiated from the heart of the midfield through the experienced Amogelang Motau who’s visionary passes let through Ntombifikile Ndlovu on a number of occasions, but was let down by her accuracy.
Coming back into the second half, Mazembe came out a much-structured side who thwarted UWC’s attacks.
With momentum and confidence on their side, Mazembe found the opener with Lacho Marta’s well taken strike from close range, beating Thandeka Ngcobo after Mazembe took advantage of some questionable defending from UWC.
The goal destabilised the South Africans who lost control of the game and were duly punished in the 77thminute after a well taken cross by Marta, who turned provider to find Merveille Nanguji who sealed the three points for Mazembe with a clinical header. The result sees the DR Congo side go top of Group A ahead of the later fixture between hosts, AS FAR and Aigles de la Médina.
