Mazembe Become The First African Side To Play Club World Cup Final (Video)

Kaluyituka celebrates his goal against Internacional

Two astonishing goals and one traditional African dance crowned TP Mazembe’s qualification into the Club World Cup final. Mulot Kabangu and Dioko Kaluyituka were the ones to make history for the Congolese side, scoring the only two goals of the night against Brazilians Internacional. Thus, Mazembe beat Inter 2-0 at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, to reach their first final of the competition. They are now to face the winner between Internazionale Milano and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma of South Korea. The Africans provided the biggest surprise of the competition although they were permanently put under Brazilian pressure and their dangerous attempts on goal.

Keeper’s Muteba Kidiaba was also in great form, denying pretty often Inter’s siege. The Brazilians dominated the midfield play so they were able to create more attempts than the Congolese. Sobis had the first chance to open the score, but his effort from inside the box would be stopped by probably the man of the match, Kidiaba. Just eight minutes later Celso Roth’s side had another two big opportunities to bring the opening. D’Alessandro’s free kick was followed by Indio’s header which couldn’t find any Brazilian inside the box. The half time went goalless, but the second period would see the Africans struggling for more. Nine minutes into it, Kabangu is found by a long cross coming from the right. He stops the ball backwards to volley it into the far post.

Inter’s replay came just four minutes later. Sobis wakes up alone with the keeper who makes a providential save to keep the Congolese alive. Roth replaced both strikers. Thus, Leandro Damiao went on for Alecasndro, while Giuliano replaced Tinga, but things looked almost the same for the Brazilian side although Giuliano was very close to the equalizer. D’Alesssandro continued to mock Brazilians’ great chances. The 73^rd minute brought him all the time in the world to find the net from inside the box, but he would miss once again. Roth introduced Oscar for Sobis, but it seemed that something else was missing. Namely their clear finishes.

However, the Africans played their chance until the last minute, thing which brought them the second goal. Keeper’s Kidiaba long kick finds the striker on the left side, racing towards Brazilians’ box and finishing with a perfect shot into the near post. Said Mazembe’s coach Lamine N’Diaye: “It’s something special for us. We are here to represent Africa, and all of Africa will be proud of our work. We have succeeded and shown that our players are of a high standard. We have achieved a great victory. It’s very good for this team and for the Congolese people, and every African should be proud of this team.”

On the other side, coach Roth admitted Congolese win, claiming in the same time that it is time for Africa to reach the Club World Cup final. Finally, he would also remark opponent’s good defending and especially Kidiaba goalkeeping.