29 January 2011
TP Mazembe goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba was the hero in a 9-8 penalty shootout to win the CAF Super Cup at the expense of FUS Rabat of Morocco at the Stade de la Kenya in Lubumbashi on Saturday.
The 34-year-old shot stopper saved FUS effort in sudden death before he then put away the all-important kick to give the African champions their second CAF Super Cup.
FUS, who were surprise winners of the 2010 CAF Confederation Cup at the expense of two-time winners CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, frustrated Mazembe with some resolute defending in front of a capacity crowd at Lubumbashi to drag this prestigious duel into a penalty shootout.
Mazembe controlled the game and created a few chances but the likes of Mpenza Bedi and Alain Kaluyituka failed to make hay as FUS set up a very organised defence, while relying on fast breaks anchored by Niger international striker Youssouf Alhassan.
Big Mazembe forward Mulota Kabangu was often crowded out by the Moroccan defenders and so could not produce some of the tricks he showed at last years FIFA Club World Cup, while the prolific Kaluyituka could not translate his industry into goals.
However, in the second half, the Moroccan Cindrella side would force DR Congo international Kidiaba to make at least two great saves as Mazembe failed to prise open the FUS defence.
The game thus ended with a goal.
In the shootout, FUS led 8-7 before big central defender Jean Kimwaki stepped up to tie the game at 8-8.
And after Kidiaba had saved FUS next kick, he stepped up to score his own penalty after initially turning down the chance to do so.
Had FUS won, they would have made history as the first winners of the CAF Confederation Cup to win the competition since it was founded in 1993.
Mazembe have thus added this trophy to their bulging trophy cabinet. It is their second Super Cup triumph after they defeated Stade Malien last year for their first victory.
