Mazembe advance to CAF final despite home draw
Tunisian ES Sahel forward Iheb Msekni (11) vies with Congolese TP Mazembe defender Christian Luyindama (25) on September 17, 2016 in Olympic stadium in Sousse during a CAF cup semi-final. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Mazembe came from behind last weekend to force a 1-1 draw at title-holders Etoile and won the tie on away goals to set up a two-leg decider against FUS Rabat of Morocco or Mouloudia Bejaia of Algeria.
- Mazembe, Confederation Cup runners-up three years ago, had 19 goal attempts, but only seven were on target.
JOHANNESBURG
Democratic Republic of Congo club TP Mazembe reached the CAF Confederation Cup final Sunday despite being held 0-0 by Tunisian visitors Etoile Sahel in the second leg of a semi-final.
Mazembe came from behind last weekend to force a 1-1 draw at title-holders Etoile and won the tie on away goals to set up a two-leg decider against FUS Rabat of Morocco or Mouloudia Bejaia of Algeria.
Much was expected from the clash between two of the four most successful clubs in African competitions, and a thrilling first leg lived up to expectations.
But the return match was often dull with both sides guilty of poor shooting in southern Congolese mining city Lubumbashi.
Mazembe, Confederation Cup runners-up three years ago, had 19 goal attempts, but only seven were on target.
SIX GOALS
Etoile, who also won the African equivalent of the Europa League in 2006, had eight goal attempts and just one on target.
Rainford Kalaba was billed as a potential Mazembe match-winner and always seemed the likeliest scorer without being able to add to six goals in six group games.
The Zambia captain beat several defenders just past the hour mark only to have his shot blocked by the foot of goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi.
Diogo Acosta had the best Etoile chance, breaking through during the second half and Ivorian goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo had to dash off his line to deny the Brazilian.
