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CAF Women’s Champions League: Holders meet ambitious debutantes

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Defending champions TP Mazembe face tournament newcomers ASEC Mimosas on Sunday at the Suez Canal Stadium (15:00 local, 13:00 GMT), in a Group-stage tie that pitches experience against fresh ambition.

The Congolese side, crowned in Morocco last year after a 1-0 win over AS FAR, open their title defence against an Ivorian club making its first appearance at this level and eager to prove it belongs among Africa’s elite.

Mazembe set out to play like champions

Wearing the target on their backs, Mazembe know the road will be steeper this time. Head coach Lamia Boumehdi struck a calm note on the eve of the game. “We are very happy to be back in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The goal is to represent African football well and show a strong image of our work,” she said.

The Moroccan tactician – the first woman to lead a Congolese club to a continental title – also warned against complacency. “This edition will be more difficult. Everyone prepares for us because we are the holders,” she added.

Midfielder Marlène Kasaj, the match-winner in last year’s final in El Jadida, framed the challenge as one of confirmation rather than defence.“Every team comes here to become champions. Nothing is easy, but we are ready to give everything to go all the way,” she said.

Mazembe enter the campaign with a tight-knit, largely unchanged squad and the rhythm of positive results, having avoided defeat in their last eight competitive matches. Confidence and discipline remain the watchwords of a group forged by winning habits.

ASEC Mimosas aim to spring a surprise

Across the technical areas, ASEC Mimosas approach their debut with humility but clear intent. The women’s section of Abidjan’s storied club carries Ivorian hopes into its first CAF Women’s Champions League.

Head coach Siaka “Gigi” Traoré framed the opportunity plainly.“It is a great pleasure to be here and represent Côte d’Ivoire at this level. We know it will be difficult, but we have come with the motivation to give our best,” he said.

Traoré wants his players unburdened by expectation against the champions. “Against TP Mazembe we are not the favourites. That lets us play with freedom. We will roll out our football without complexes,” he said, before adding a marker for the opener: “Our first match is already a final for us. A good result on Sunday could change everything and spark our campaign.”

Captain Erika Gnougnoué, the heartbeat of the side, echoed the tone. “There is no pressure. This is a first experience, a level we are discovering. We will apply everything the coach has taught us,” she said.

Clash of styles

On paper, it is a contest of contrasting blueprints. Mazembe lean into a high press and direct service to Kasaj, while ASEC favour patience and sharp transitions. For the holders, Boumehdi’s reminder is simple. “Winning once is good. Confirming it is even better,” she said.

Follow the TP Mazembe v ASEC Mimosas match on CAFTV.

With the champions chasing authority and the newcomers embracing freedom, Ismailia’s second matchday offers an early test of maturity for one side and a baptism of fire for the other.

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