In a tense and high-stakes encounter at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Semi-Finals between TP Mazembe and Al Ahly SC ended in a nail-biting 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon.
Reigning African champions, Al Ahly, managed to frustrate the five-time champions, TP Mazembe, in their own backyard, securing a vital result to take back to Cairo for the return leg next week. The visitors will certainly be pleased with their defensive resilience and the fact that they managed to keep a clean sheet against a spirited Mazembe side.
The match kicked off with Mazembe showing early intent, with Filly Traore heading narrowly wide in the opening minutes. Mazembe continued to press forward, with their captain Glody Likonza coming close with a diving header that sailed just over the bar, much to the relief of the Ahly defense.
Despite Mazembe’s dominance and the backing of their passionate home crowd, they struggled with their finishing in the final third. The defending champions, Al Ahly, stood firm, absorbing the pressure and denying Mazembe any clear-cut chances throughout the first half.
After the break, Mazembe continued to push forward, introducing fresh legs into their attack. Substitute Merceil Vumbi injected pace and energy but failed to convert a promising opportunity, firing his shot wide of the target.
The pivotal moment of the match came when Zemanga Soze squandered a golden opportunity, sending his close-range effort wide much to the disappointment of the home fans.
As the game approached its conclusion, Mazembe came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the dying minutes. A well-taken corner found Phillippes Kinzumbi whose header sailed just over the crossbar.
Although TP Mazembe will rue their missed chances at home, they will take heart in the fact that the tie is still wide open heading into the second leg in Cairo.
Al Ahly, on the other hand, will be content with the result and will look to capitalize on their away performance as they aim to secure a spot in the final of the CAF Champions League.
The stage is now set for an intriguing second leg clash in Cairo next Friday, where both teams will battle it out for a place in the final of Africa’s premier club competition.
