السوبر الإفريقي 2011 : مازيمبي البطل

منك للاه يابدرى ضيعت علينا بطوله كانت مضمونه

Kidiaba hero as Mazembe retains CAF Super Cup


Goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba was the hero for TP Mazembe as they beat FUS Rabat of Morocco 9-8 on penalties on Saturday in Lubumbashi to retain the Orange CAF Super Cup.

The closely contested encounter ended barren during normal time but the Mazembe goalie was the architect of his side’s victory during the marathon penalty shoot-out saving the ultimate kick of the Orange CAF Confederation Cup holders and converting the decisive kick.

The 34-year old goalie, famed for his funky hair style and elaborate celebration ensured Les Corbeaux a place in the history book as they joined Nigeria’s Enyimba (2004, 2006) and Al-Ahly of Egypt (2006, 2007) to lift the title is succession.

The encounter which also heralds the new season as far as the continental club championship is concerned was watched by the top brass of the continent’s soccer controlling body, Confederation of African Football (CAF) led by its President Issa Hayatou as the winners of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup battled for the giant trophy.

The first half saw few chances with Mazembe’s Bedi Mbenza’s miss on 24 minutes serving the brightest moment. Mazembe were mostly on the offensive whilst FUS Rabat deployed a seemingly defensive approach in a move to crack down the Mazembe forwards.

The second half was no different as attempts by both teams to break the deadlock yielded no positive returns despite having equal share of possession. It was the sixth time the annual competition was to be decided via penalties after 1993, 1997, 1998, 2007 and 2007.

The game moved to penalties and with no emerging after regular kicks, Kidiaba saved the ultimate kick of the Moroccans before displacing his opposite number as Mazembe cruised to 9-8 victory.

CAF President Hayatou presented trophy to Mazembe captain Kazembe Mihayo amidst chants from rest of his colleagues and the teaming crowd.

“We did not play well” – N’Diaye



TP Mazembe coach, Lamine N’Diaye has admitted that his team were not at the usual best in their Orange CAF Super Cup triumph over FUS Rabat of Morocco on Saturday in Lubumbashi.

Les Corbeaux emerged victors 9-8 on penalties after regulation time to join the likes of Nigeria’s Enyimba and Al-Ahly of Egypt as the only clubs to have successfully defended the title, but N’Diaye has revealed his side were ordinary.

“We resumed training two weeks ago and are yet to discover our rhythm. Our opponents were also very tough."

The Senegalese-born coach added that his players appeared worn-out after a busy outing last year and it affected their game.

“My players were tired. If I could make 10 changes, I would have. Also, there were three or four players set to join other clubs, and were not ready mentally. It is hard to prepare for a match in such conditions.”

FUS Rabat coach Houcine Ammouta was pleased with his side’s output against the reigning continental champions.

“To manage a draw in Lubumbashhi against the holders, finalist of the FIFA World Club Cup is a great feat. The team was very disciplined and relaxed.

“We knew it would be difficult when three key players have just left for Europe ahead of the game. Losing on penalties is always disappointing but I think we have come a long way from playing in the second division, to winning the Throne Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.

“I am proud of my team and their achievement and I congratulate Mazembe as well on their feat,” Ammouta concluded.