AFL: Mazembe pip EST in Dar Es Salaam
Forced to play its home match in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, TP Mazembe did not tremble and brilliantly disposed of Esperance de Tunis (1-0) during the quarter-final first leg of the new African Football League (AFL).
The match got off to a flying start with the Esperance exerting pressure. Winger, Houssam Ghacha was the first to stand out by firing a dangerous shot in the second minute.
However, and despite repeated attacks, the Congolese were able to keep calm and opened scoring in the 11th minute thanks to the young Malian prodigy, Cheick Fofana (19), who headed following a corner perfectly executed by Ibrahima Keita.
The goal unbalanced Espérance de Tunis, allowing Tout Puissant Mazembe to create other opportunities. Highly visible in the afternoon, Niger international Boubacar Hainikoye almost scored a spectacular goal in the 50th minute, seeing his half-volley skim the crossbar.
However, Esperance turned things around after making changes in the 58th minute, even creating a goal scoring chance that was ruled out after a VAR check in the 62nd minute.
EST Brazilian midfielder Yan Sasse was well offside after a magnificent job by his compatriot Rodrigo Rodrigues.
Perfectly organized, the protégés of Senegalese coach Lamine N’Diaye then held on to maintain their one-goal advantage until the end.
They picked up a crucial victory which places them in a favorable position for the return match at the Stade de Radès in Tunis, next Wednesday. The Ravens have shown their determination and revival in the competition, which promises an exciting quarter-final second leg in the.
