We were poor, admits GU coach
Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 17, 2025 06:00
The Red Roses were outplayed for most of the 90 minutes as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side maintained their stance on the front foot throughout the game in a 3-0 rout.
Mazembe issued early warning signs which went unheeded in the initial stages of the first half, whilst GU relied on sporadic counterattacks.
The Red Roses are making their debut in the CAF Champions League finals, and at times the gulf in class was telling, as the DRC side turned the screw.
GU are at the finals with an all-local line-up due to Botswana Football Association restrictions, whilst their opponents fielded several internationals.
After failing to change tack following the early barrage, the GU defence was breached in the 32nd minute as Kgalenane Mohlakoana completed a flowing team move.
Moments later, the South African returned to haunt the Red Roses' defence to double hers and the team's tally. In the second half, Marlene Yav Kasaj stretched the lead out of GU's reach when she struck the third.
Before departure to Egypt, Monene had said they have the ability to contain Mazembe, but on the evidence of yesterday's display, there is still some difference between the two.
Mazembe moved the ball with conviction, and Monene admitted his side was not at the races.
'It is one of those games that we did not play our normal game or didn't come to the party because in all aspects of the game we were poor, especially in the first half. But we managed to address it during halftime and came back as an improved team since the first half,' he said.
Monene added the penalty they conceded in the second half quashed their comeback efforts.
'It is part of the game; we fought, but it was already late. Looking at the log, the four teams can still make it to the semi-finals. What will determine the log will be the games' results because if we win, we are through to the semi-finals,' he said.
The Red Roses' fate lies in their last group game against ASEC Mimosa of the Ivory Coast on Saturday.
The top two teams proceed to the semi-finals, with the Red Roses currently on one point after their stalemate against Tanzania's JKT Queens last Friday. ASEC top the group with four points, whilst Mazembe are second heading into the final round of group matches.
In the other group, Egypt's Masar are top with four points, followed by FAR Rabat from Morocco, with the same number of points. Mali's Usfas are third whilst Equatorial Guinea's 15 de Agosto de Akonibe anchor the log.