2nd September, 2012
TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo knocked Al Ahly of Egypt off the top of a CAF Champions League group with a 2-0 home victory Sunday that ensured a semi-finals place.
Consistent scorer Mbwana Samata put the Ravens ahead just after half-time at a packed stadium in southern mining city Lubumbashi and Mukok Kanda added a second goal on the hour mark against the already-qualified visitors.
It was the third consecutive victory for the four-time African champions after collecting only one point from a possible six in the opening rounds, and avenged a 2-1 loss to Ahly in Cairo.
Mazembe and Ahly have 10 points with one round to go in Group B and if the Congolese can match the Egyptians’ result on matchday 6 they will win the mini-league on the head-to-head rule.
Both teams want to finish first and avoid a probable semi-finals showdown with defending champions Esperance of Tunisia, who are unbeaten in 18 matches spanning two seasons.
The Tunisians host Sunshine Stars from Nigeria late Sunday in Rades and need only a draw to clinch top spot as they chase the $1.5 million first prize and a passport to the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.
Victory for Mazembe eliminated surprise qualifiers Berekum Chelsea of Ghana from the title race after they managed only a 1-1 draw away to Zamalek of Egypt, who are doomed to finished bottom of the table.
Tanzania-born Samata raised his Champions League goal haul to six this season by pushing the ball into the net on 48 minutes when Ahly goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami failed to hold a cross.
Slick penalty-area passing created space for Kanda, who rifled a low shot past Ekrami to seal a more comfortable victory than expected over record six-time Champions Leayue winners Ahly.