TP Mazembe made a great step towards reclaiming the Champions league trophy when they beat Algerian giants USM Alger 1-2 away.

Zambian playmaker and captain Ranford Kalaba opened the score sheets but later was shown a red card in the first half added minutes.

USM Alger also had Hocine El Orfi sent off for a second bookable offence early in the second half.

Mazembe,who are the 2013 champions had a great chance to double their lead but Mbwana Samata had his penalty saved by Mohammed Zemmamouche in the USM Alger goal.

He later made amends when he scored from the spot later after he was fouled stretching the visitors lead before Mohamned Seguer pulled one back to reduce the defeceit.

The second leg will take place in Mazembe’stade TP Mazembe in lubumbashi next Sunday.

USM Alger 1 (0) – (1) 2 TP Mazembe

Goals: Rainford Kalaba (28’), Mbwana Samatta (77’) for TP Mazembe; Mohamed Seguer (88’) for USMA

USM Alger: Zemmamouche, Benayada, Boudebouda, Mazari, Khoualed, El Orfi, Ferhat, Koudri, Nadji, Beldjilali, Benmoussa

TP Mazembe: Kidiaba, Frimpong, Kimwaki, Coulibaly, Boateng, Diarra, Sinkala, Kalaba, Ulimwengu, Samatta, Traore

Austin Oduor

talking African football