TP Mazembe Exclusive: Kasaj's Goal Makes Boumehdi a Villain on Home Soil, While Thelma Describes the Win as a Dream

It would be remiss to overlook TP Mazembe's men's football team when listing the most influential clubs in Africa, consistently flying the continent's flag globally.

In a bid to become a holistic football establishment, TP Mazembe launched its senior women's side in 2020, aligning with the Confederation of African Football's vision for elite clubs to have female teams.

After several failed attempts to qualify for the continental showpiece, FCF TP Mazembe made their debut this year in Morocco.

In a stunning upset, they toppled host nation's  AS FAR Women, the 2022 champions, to be crowned Africa's latest queens. Notably, this achievement was led by Moroccan head coach Lamia Boumehdi, underscoring the rising prominence of DR Congo's women's football.

A  RESILIENT SQUAD

AS FAR Women coach Mohamed Alioua had predicted a different outcome from their previous group stage meeting, which ended in a 3-1 win for the host team. However, FCF TP Mazembe had other plans.

From the onset, the Congolese side applied relentless pressure on the AS FAR defense, which struggled to clear their lines. The Military Women conceded a penalty within five minutes after a VAR consultation. Marlene Kasaj Yav confidently converted the spot-kick, putting The Ladies Crows ahead 1-0.

Stunned by the early setback, AS FAR players attempted to regain their footing. However, FCF TP Mazembe's direct and rapid play down the flanks proved hazardous.

In the 16th minute, Kanjinga Nanguji nearly doubled the lead after receiving a low cross from Marta, but narrowly missed. According to Lamia Boumehdi and Thelma, the team's unwavering fighting spirit was a key factor in their success.

"Everything was about the mentality of my players - their never-giving-up attitude," Boumehdi told SportsBoom.com. "You clearly saw how we played as a unit against them. It's incredible, and I want to thank each and every one of them."

Thelma Baffour echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of every minute on the field. "I played 31 minutes in the final, and that means a lot to me. Even if it's just one minute, my job is simple: to help the team. I think that's what we've done, and I really appreciate the moment," speaking from her hotel in picturesque El Jadida, Morocco.

Coach Lamia Boumehdi also took a moment to express her gratitude to the organizers of the tournament. "As I congratulate my team, I'd also like to congratulate CAF and Morocco for organizing such a fantastic tournament. The experiences we've gained are enormous, and we'll take them back with us to the DRC. I'm incredibly proud of this moment."

"Everything was excellent here in Morocco, not because it's my country of birth, but because we need to applaud quality. And CAF knows why they chose them as hosts."

YAV KASAJ'S PENALTY KICK: A SHORT,  NERVY JOURNEY TO FAME

For a team that had witnessed the ruthless nature of their opponents in the group phase, caution was their guiding principle as they navigated the final.

For the DR Congo side, playing beautiful football was secondary to finding the back of the net. And that defining moment came in the form of a penalty kick.

Marlene Yav Kasaj, the 28-year-old midfielder, recounts the nerve-wracking experience of taking the penalty kick that ultimately crowned The Ladies Crows as Africa Champions.

"I was emotional as I walked up to take the penalty kick," Marlene Yav Kasaj recalled in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com "I believed we could win the final, and that mentality drove me as I approached the box."

With the weight of the game on her shoulders, Kasaj revealed the mental strategy that helped her stay focused. "I concentrated on the ball, not the penalty kick itself. I told myself, 'This is our chance to take the lead.' Luckily, I scored, and it means the world to me and the team. I'm relieved I didn't disappoint."

Kasaj couldn't help but laugh as she reflected on the intense pressure of the moment. "Honestly, it was tough to think straight."

Teammate Thelma Baffour vividly recalled the tense moment, saying, "I was praying in my head, 'God, help us,' while closing my eyes. Then, I just heard the scream, 'Goal!'"

Head Coach Lamia Boumehdi, who had faith in her player, remarked, "I knew it was going to be a difficult moment for Marlene, but I believed she was going to score."

"The mental picture of what could happen if I scored was what kept me believing and focused within those few secondsn" said Marlene Yav Kasaj.

MORE THAN A DREAM

The final seconds of added time felt like an eternity for Thelma and Marlene Kasaj as they anxiously awaited the full-time whistle, they explained. Thelma was stunned by the unexpected turn of events, as they were the favorites, with AS FAR Women still pushing for an equalizer.

Thelma's journey to this moment was unforeseen; she had initially considered overseas opportunities before joining the Central African club, a decision she would cherish even more after winning the title.

With both players already having domestic titles under their belt, Thelma and Kasaj were determined to add a continental medal to their collection, and the whistle seemed to be taking forever to make it happen.

"I'm still struggling to put into words how I feel after that night. It's an indescribable feeling, a tremendous honor, and I believe we deserve every bit of it," said the 21-year-old playmaker, who previously played for Berry and Jonina Ladies in Ghana.

For Congolese midfielder Marlene Yav Kasaj, this victory is a career-defining moment. "When we qualified, I told everyone it was possible and we could win it. I'm thrilled we achieved it together as a team, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead."

The celebrations have only just begun,  Until the next CAF Women's Champions League, the four-time Congolese Women's League champions will paint the streets of Lubumbashi with joy and jubilation.