Defour - Anderlecht's "leader in midfield", according to Deschacht - was forced off with a thigh injury at the break in the UEFA Champions League clash in Brussels.
The home side had only hit the front just before half-time thanks to a diving header from Mbemba.
"In the second half we lost Steven [Defour], who's our leader in midfield, and started dropping back," Deschacht said.
"We gave Galatasaray a few chances but luckily they didn't take them and we took control again."
Mbemba was thrilled with the "massive" three points, which clinched a UEFA Europa League berth for Anderlecht, who will finish third in Group D behind Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal.
"We did everything we could, we did not give up, and we got the three points. It is massive," the Congolese defender said.
"We have another crucial game on Sunday in order to defend top spot [in the league]. We will do everything we can.
"We managed the game well during the first half, then [Steven] Defour went off and we were under pressure a lot. Then the coach made changes and we held strong until the end."
"I will not forget this game. I scored two goals," he said.
"I have not scored in the league [this season] but I have scored in the Champions League."
