Waka, Waka this time for Mazembe

Democratic Republic of Congo is a small country in Central Africa. But on Tuesday night, Mazembe did something mammoth — entering the final of a FIFA Club World Cup.

By James Jose (james@khaleejtimes.com)

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Published: Thu 16 Dec 2010, 12:41 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 3:58 AM

Watched by 22,131 spectators and again with chants of ‘Waka, Waka, this time for Africa,’ TP Mazembe blanked 2006 champions SC Internacional 2-0 to enter the final of the Club World Cup. Mazembe had lost both their games in last year’s edition but they were right on the ball this time. Their Zambian forward Given Singuluma had said before that they were the champions of Africa and they need to show that. And that they did on the night.

Mulota Kabangu scored in the 53^rd minute, while Dioko Kaluyituka added the second in the 85^th minute.

South American teams had won all three of their fixtures against African representatives. Brazilian club Corinthians had beaten Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the group phase in 2000, before SC Internacional beat Egypt’s Al Ahly 2-1 in the semi-final in 2006. Internacional had gone on to win the title. In 2007, Argentina’s Boca Juniors beat Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the last four.

Also, Brazilian clubs hadn’t lost in the FIFA Club World Cup. In 12 matches, Brazilian clubs had logged nine wins and three draws.

SC Internacional were more cohesive and came up with a flurry of chances in the first half. They had their first chance in the ninth minute after TP Mazembe’s Miala Nkulukuta fouled Andres D Alessandro in the ninth minute. But Rafael Sobis, for whom the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium was not too long ago, fired his freekick over the cross bar. Sobis played for UAE’s Al Jazira before moving to Internacional in the summer.

He came close to scoring two minutes later but his try from close range, off a Alecsandro pass, was cleared by the goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba. TP Mazembe counter-attacked on that and almost went ahead but Mulota Kabangu’s screamer was punched over the cross bar by goalkeeper Renan.

Internacional could have gone ahead in the 22^nd minute but Tinga’s header went over the cross bar after a Nei cross from the right.

They had another opportunity just before the break but Wilson Matias’ neat back flick went wide off a Nei cross.

TP Mazembe, who were denied by a stoic Internacional defence and were playing second fiddle, shocked Internacional 5,000 travelling fans after the restart by going ahead in the 53^rd minute. The Internacional defence was caught napping on this rare occasion and Mulota Kabangu took advantage and slotted it home from close range.

Internacional went on the offensive and almost found the equaliser on the hour mark. Sobis shot from close range was punched away by goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba before being cleared by the defence. Later, substitute Giuliano’s left-footer from close was denied by Kidiaba.

Internacional coach Celso Roth took off Sobis and brought in a midfielder in the form of Oscar. TP Mazembe coach Lamine N’Diaye brought off goal scorer Kabangu.

Mazembe then put the issue to bed in the 85^th minute with Dioko Kaluyituka firing it past goalkeeper Renan after a long ball from Kidiaba.

SQUADS

TP Mazembe (Congo): Muteba Kidiba, Joel Kimwaki, Kiritcho Kasusula, Miala Nkulukuta, Given Singuluma, Mulota Kabangu, Mbenza Bedi, Dioko Kaluyituka, Kazembe Mihayo ©, Amia Ekanga, Ngandu Kasongo. Substitutes: Mukinayi Tshani, Mukok Kanda, Patient Mwepu, Mianga Ndonga, Bawaka Mabele, Luyeye Mvete, Aime Bakula, Tshizeu Kanyimbu, Lufulwabo Kayembe, Stoppila Sunzu, Laurent Ngome. Coach Lamine N’Diaye.

SC Internacional (Brazil): Renan, Bolivar ©, Indio, Nei, Pablo Guinazu, Kleber, Tinga, Alecsandro, Andres D Alessandro, Rafael Sobis, Wilson Matias. Substitutes: Giuliano, Derley, Ronaldo Alves, Sasha, Juan, Andrezinho, Oscar, Leandro Damiao, Daniel, Roberto Abbondanzieri, Lauro. Coach: Celso Roth.

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Ned).