Giants TP Mazembe secured an important 1-0 win over MC Alger in the 2018 CAF Champions League Group B match at the Stade TP Mazembe in DR Congo on Tuesday evening.
The result means Mazembe remain top of the log table in the group while their opponents from Algeria sat in second place in the group.
The first half was a see saw affair as both sides fired from all cylinders trying to unlock the defences with Mazambe taking the upper hand however the two teams were locked at 0-0.
The second half started with a lot of speed and precision as Mazembe’s coach Kazembe Mihayo rung in changes bringing on Meschak Elia who immediately injected the much needed charisma when his goal-bound shot was deflected by MC Alger’s defender Azzi who saved the situation from the rasping shot.
Elia was a thorn in the MC Alger defence working from set pieces as he run rings his efforrts finally paid off handsomely in the 88th minute when his rocket left-foot shot broke the deadlock to give TP Mazembe the lead as they held on to the end of the game to get the deserved but hard fought win.
TP Mazembe starting 11: Gbohouo, Kasusula, Issama, Chongo, Mondeko, Sinkala, Koffi, Likonza, Kalaba (Ushindi 81′), Traore (Sissoko 67′), Malango (Elia 63′).
MC Alger staring 11: Chaal, Hachoud, Demmou, Bouhenna, Azzi, Amada (Bourdim 90’+3), Bendebka, Dieng, Derardja, Nekkache (Tebbi 77′), Souibaah (Benothmane 87′
