CAF Women's Leage
Moroccan coach, Boumehdi leads TP Mazembe to Women’s League final against Morocco’s AS FAR
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
When the two teams in the final match of the CAF Women’s League line up on Saturday, two Moroccan coaches will be at different ends.
The Congolese team of TP Mazembe is led by Moroccan coach Lamia Boumehdi. She will be up against her male compatriot, Mohamed Amine Alioua who will be leading the Moroccan side, AS FAR.
Boumedhi is a former captain of the Atlas Lionesses. Her coaching journey has been a groundbreaking one.
After serving as head coach of Morocco’s U17 Women’s Team, she took on the unique challenge of leading the DR Congo’s TP Mazembe Ladies.
Her journey is marked by both her success as a player and her commitment to pushing boundaries as a coach.
‘’I’ve always loved football. In our day, football wasn’t as professional.
“We played for fun. But at 26, after a serious cruciate ligament injury, the doctor told me I couldn’t play any more.
“I couldn’t accept that because I love football so much. So I decided to stay on the pitch, but as a coach. Coaching for me is about guiding young talent and giving back to the sport that gave me so much,” says Lamia.
“Now, with TP Mazembe, I’m focused on building a competitive team that reflects the heart of Congolese football.
“We have done a great deal of work on the ground by creating a sports-study school. The centre is the only one in DR Congo to have a training programme for young players, including different age categories.
“I’m honoured to be contributing to this project, and I’m looking forward to many more editions to come.” Her players often describe her as a meticulous strategist with an innate ability to empower those around her.
Lamia sees her role as a bridge between nations, cultures, and footballing philosophies.
“Coaching in a different country has been a gift,” she says. “It’s shown me the incredible diversity of African football. No matter where we come from, we share a love for the game and a drive to elevate it.”
Miracle Usani is the sole Edo Queen player in the CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI, which was announced on Monday.
The Best XI selection highlights the top-performing players of the tournament. It is compiled by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), which includes football analysts, coaches, and technical advisors.
The Best XI features four players from debutants FC Masar which placed third in the final ranking.
Four players are selected from Champions TP Mazembe and two from runners-up AS FAR of Morocco.
In goal is FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry, whose acrobatic saves and commanding presence earned her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The central defense is solidified by Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo from FC Masar.
The full-back positions are occupied by Miracle Usani of Edo Queens on the left and Vukulu Belange of TP Mazembe on the right.
TP Mazembe’s Marline Kasaj anchors the midfield, providing exceptional support during their title run.
The attacking midfield duo features AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Nyonkuru of FC Masar, adding creativity and flair to the line-up.
The attacking trio is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Doha El Madani (ASFAR), on the right, with TP Mazembe’s Lacho Marta on the left, and Merveille Kanjinga (TP Mazembe) as the central striker.
CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI:
GOALKEEPER
- Habiba Emad Sabry (FC Masar)
DEFENDERS
- Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
- Shadia Nankya (FC Masar)
- Aisha Nantongo (FC Masar)
- Vukulu Belange (TP Mazembe)
MIDFIELDERS
- Marline Kasaj (TP Mazembe)
- Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
- Sandrine Nyonkuru (FC Masar)
FORWARDS
- Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
- Merville Kanjinga (TP Mazembe)
- Lacho Marta (TP Mazembe)
Edo Queens lost in the third-placed match with Egypt’s FC Masar after a penalty shoot-out. The Egyptians won 5-3 after a goalless draw.
As it happened when both teams met in the group stage, full-time scores remained 0-0. It was obvious the Edo Queens were deficient in penalty kick shooting as they had earlier lost one in their encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The technical crew probably did not reckon with penalty kick training.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s flagbearers, the Edo Queen will make their final appearance at the 2024 CAF Women’s League this Friday when they take on FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match.
A win will not only fetch them the bronze medal, but an increased financial gain from $300,000 to $350,000. By the current exchange rate, this is N589,284,600.
A chunk of this will undoubtedly improve their living standards and also fetch some of the players better offers from foreign clubs.
Already, their good run has led to some of the players emerging as nominees at next month’s CAF Awards in Morocco. Monle Oyono is nominated along with Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie as contender for the African Woman’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
So also is Emem Essien seeking to win the Women’s version of the Interclub Player of the Year Award. Their coach, Moses Adukwu is not also left out as he is nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
Edo Queens is among the eight shortlisted for the Club of the Year. A defeat of FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match will improve their honours chase.
Both teams met at the group stage and played a barren draw. A winner must emerge this Friday as both teams aim for a pdium finish.
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