By Daily Sports on July 18, 2018

TP Mazembe edged out MC Alger 1-0 in the 2018 CAF Champions League Group B match at the Stade TP Mazembe in DR Congo on Tuesday.

The victory saw DR Congo giants Mazembe extend their lead at the top of the group standings, while Algeria's Alger remain second on the table.

The Ravens threatened first through their inspirational winger Rainford Kabala 11 minutes into the encounter.

However, the Zambia international's attempt was saved by Alger goalkeeper Farid Chaal, who ensured that his side did not concede an early goal.

The hosts dominated possession in search of the opening goal with Ben Malango, who has netted three goals in the group stage, leading the Mazembe attack.

However, the Ravens were struggling to penetrate the Dean defence which was marshalled by Rachid Bouhenna.

Mazembe continued to attack and Issama Mpeko delivered a cross for Adama Traore, but Chaal gathered the ball with ease in the 31st minute.

The Dean had a rare chance to break the deadlock five minutes before the halftime break.

However, Alger winger Walid Derardja missed the target - failing to test Ivory Coast international Sylavin Gbohouo in Mazembe goal-posts.

The two teams were locked at 0-0 at the interval following a first half which was dominated by Mazembe, but they failed to beat Chaal.

The Ravens continued their dominance after the restart, but it was the Dean who nearly scored in the 54th minute.

Derardja unleashed an effort which was well-saved by Gbohouo as Alger looked to take a surprise lead.

Mazembe head coach Kazembe Mihayo introduced Meschak Elia in the 63rd minute as the hosts looked to break the deadlock.

Super-sub Elia's goal-bound effort was deflected out by Alger defender Azzi with 20 minutes left on the clock.

The home side never lost hope and they deservedly grabbed a late winning goal through Elia with the Dean defence exposed in the 88th minute.

The 21-year-old forward scored with a left-footed effort to hand Mazembe a 1-0 win over Alger.

Esperance de Tunis came from two goals down to defeat KCCA 3-2 in a CAF Champions League Group A match at the Olympic Stadium in Rades on Tuesday night.

The victory sees the Tunisians strengthen their grip on top spot, taking them to seven points from three matches and opening up a three-point lead over second-placed Al Ahly, who beat Township Rollers in a concurrent match in Alexandria.

Kampala defied their underdog status by claiming a 2-0 lead within the opening quarter: Jackson Nunda put the East Africans in the 19th minute and shortly thereafter an own goal from Khalil Chemmam saw the East Africans into a strong position.

Esperance pulled a goal back just past the half hour mark through Belel Magri, and on 33 minutes they were level at 2-2 thanks to Saad Bguir. The Tunisians were strong in attack and regularly tested goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, while KCCA faded as a threat as the half wore on.

The Blood and Gold always looked likely to complete the comeback, though they had to be very patient, waiting until the 82nd minute before Magri struck again to make it 3-2 and put his side on course for victory.

The reverse match between the teams will be played at Mandela National Stadium in Kira on July 28.

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 18, 2018

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