CAFCC: Maniema Union punish Wydad in Lubumbashi

CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) Group B leaders Wydad Casablanca (WAC) paid the consequences for a flat performance on Sunday as hosts AS Maniema Union defeated the Moroccan giants 2-1 at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.

The Congolese club’s defense dominated a weak WAC attack in the first half and Beni Namboka’s 34th minute strike put the hosts ahead by halftime. The visitors from Casablanca failed to attempt a single shot in the opening 45 minutes.

Clement Pitroipa’s brilliant long range strike doubled the advantage for Les Verts et Noirs just after the hour mark when the Burkinabé playmaker’s effort went off the post and off the back of diving WAC goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid for an own goal.

WAC coach Mohamed Benhachem opted to hand a first start to former French international Wissam Ben Yedder while Hakim Ziyech was not available. The attack suffered greatly and the only question was whether the hosts would find a way through the opposition defense.

That question was answered close to halftime when Chadoma Ozome Mukeni received a pass in midfield and cleverly touched the ball past a defender. The midfielder then set up Namboka on the right wing for a shooting opportunity and the Republic of Congo international fired a low shot past Benabid.

It was more of the same in the second half to complete a strong performance from the hosts. After Pitroipa caused the own goal to double the advantage, Hamza Hannouri’s penalty kick pulled a goal back for WAC but despite the introduction of South African attacker Thembinkosi Lorch in his final appearance for the club, there was no spark from the visitors.

Full time. AS Maniema Union edge Wydad AC 2-1. 🔚#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/FzsVNXMTHd

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 1, 2026

The hosts held on without issue and moved level with the Moroccan club at the top of Group B on nine points. Next weekend, the Congolese club will travel to Zanzibar to face third place Azam FC. WAC will travel to Kenya to face Nairobi United.

CAFCC Group B Table