TP Mazembe has booked its ticket to the group stage of the Champions League. On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Ravens tamed Red Arrows (2-1), in Lubumbashi. Pushed by its opponent of the day, the champion club of Congo deployed the necessary resources to secure victory.
From the start, the Ravens showed the desire to finish off attacks in the visitors’ half. Cheikh Fofana shot on goal after 28 seconds of play. Three minutes later, Ibrahima Keita grazed the right post following a combination in front of the opponent’s area. In 5 minutes, Mazembe imposed its rhythm. In the 10th minute, Zemanga Soze unlocked the score with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. Red Arrows were 3 goals behind with 80 minutes to go.
In the 20th. Ibrahima Keita, once again, came within inches of scoring after an excellent service from Oscar Kabwit. With a comfortable advantage, the Ravens let go in the last ten minutes of this first act. The Zambians tried to exist offensively, without worrying Aliou Faty. The chances obtained by Ciel Ebengo’s teammates never came to fruition. 1-0 at the break, Mazembe had one step in the group stage.
A second act with ups and downs
Mazembe started the second half strongly, relying on its two wingers. Oscar Kabwit (50th) and Cheikh Fofana (53rd), each made the difference on the wings, without doubling the lead. The whirling Kabwit could have scored on a cross from Radjabu, but goalkeeper Charles Kalumba saved his team. In the 71st minute, Othniel Mawawu committed a foul in the area: a penalty for Red Arrows. Ricky Banda took charge to deceive Aliou Faty with a counter-foot and equalize.
With 4 minutes to go, Louis Autchanga, who came on as a substitute, gave TP Mazembe the lead again. On a great breakthrough by Oscar Kabwit, the Gabonese winger let loose a heavy shot into the top corner following an uncontrolled exit by the Zambian goalkeeper. In the ninetieth minute, Fily Traoré wandered around the Red Arrows area without making a successful final move. His shot flew wide of the frame. Manu Bola Lobota and his team did not return to the scoreboard until the final whistle.
2 goals to 1, Mazembe wins. (4-1 aggregate score), Lamine Ndiaye’s men reach the group stage for the second consecutive season.
Germain Ngoy
2024-09-21 15:35:44
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