TP Mazembe 4-1 Bejaia (Aggregate: 5-2)
Democratic Republic of Congo club, TP Mazembe humiliated Algerian opposition Bejaia 4-1 in the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Stade De Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
The DRC side thus win the 2016 championship on 5-2 aggregate, a feat that comes along with $660,000 cash reward.
Zambian midfielder Rainford Kalaba notched a brace whilst Merveille Bope and Jonathan Bolingi each netted a goal apiece before a great passionate crowd.
Kalaba scored in either half, the first a spectacular volley before beating Chamseddine Rahmani again few minutes past the hourmark, to sign-off in grand style and living up to his status as the heartbeat of Mazembe’s campaign in the second-tier continental club championship.
Sofiane Khadir grabbed a consolation for the Algerian debutants, who were clearly outplayed by their host who romped to the title 5-2 on aggregate.
‘Les Corbeaux’ thus emulates the feat of Egyptian giants Al Ahly to become the second club to win the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup in the ensuing year.
Ahly achieved the feat in 2013 and 2014 with Mazembe, 2015 and 2016.
After a one-all draw in the first leg in Bejaia last week, the odds were in favour of Mazembe and they did not disappoint, backed by their experienced squad.
It took only seven minutes for the Congolese to break the deadlock, Bope tucking home from a Jean Kasusula free-kick.
Mazembe remained in control and two minutes before the break, Kalaba doubled the lead with a stunning volley that caught Rahmani off guard.
The Congolese who lost to Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the final of the same competition three years ago increased their tally on 62 minutes again through Kalaba from a Roger Assale assist. It was Kalaba’s eight goal of the campaign.
On 75 minutes, Bejaia pulled one back courtesy Khadir after Faouzi Nahal had put him through before Bolingi put the icing on the cake with the fourth goal two minutes later tapping in from close range.
Bejaia pocketed $462,000 for their efforts.
Mazembe will face CAF Champions League winners, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the 2017 CAF Super Cup on the weekend on 17-19 February 2017 in South Africa.