Mazembe close to grip CAF Confed Cup after beating Supersport

PHOTO: COURTESY

Congolese outfit TP Mazembe grabbed their first win over Supersport United in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup in Lubumbashi, Congo on Sunday. The hosts had a foot forward in the lead through a stunning strike by Malian Adama Traore in the 18^th minute.

The reigning champions held their opponents for a considerable amount of time before Sipho Mbule drew the South African side level on the 48^th minute with a fantastically taken finish marking the beginning of fiercely contested second half.

Ghanaian star Daniel Nii Anjei made the difference by handing Mazembe back the lead in the 67^th minute. TP Mazembe therefore has an advantage going into the second leg tie that will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on November 25, Saturday.

However, it may not be all smooth for Congolese giants being that they have met Supersport in the group stages where they have drawn twice, a 2-2 draw in Lubumbashi and a barren one in Pretoria during the group stages.

The match handed Supersport their first defeat since they slumped to Al Ahly Shendy of Sudan in the preliminary stage of the tournament. Supersport will be counting on the New Zealand striker Jeremy Brockie to inspire them to victory and to overturn the status quo so that they can lift the trophy.