Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto Shocks TP Mazembe to Reach CAF Champions League First Ever Semi-Final

Angola’s 2017 Girabola Champions Primeiro de Agosto have knocked out DR Congo’s heavyweights TP Mazembe out of this year’s CAF Champions League to reach their first ever continental semi-final.

Primeiro have secured a spot in the last four at the expense of five-time winners TP Mazembe of DR Congo on the away goal rule after a 1-1 draw in Lubumbashi. The visitors progressed on aggregate 1-1 after last Saturday’s goalless draw that was mostly overshadowed by a stampede that left five dead.

It was not a night for the 2017 Confederations Cup champions Mazembe as they had a penalty saved, a goal attempt hitting the bar before having two of their goals disallowed.

TP Mazembe took the lead in the 12th minute thanks to a Jackson Muleka strike but failed to capitalize on the chances they created to seal the win.

They had a goal ruled off-side minutes later only for Congolese born playmaker Mongo Bokamba leveling the score with a well-taken free-kick in the 34th minute.

TP Mazembe had a chance to redeem themselves just before the break after joint CAF Champions league top scorer Ben Malango was brought down in the box. He stepped up to the task to take the spot-kick only for Preimiro’s goalkeeper Tony Cabaca to stand tall and save the timid effort.

In the 70th minutes, a goal by veteran Tresor Mputu was also ruled out as the referee had already blown the whistle to award Mazembe a free kick.

Mazembe continued a late onslaught but goalkeeper Cabaca made several superb saves to ensure the Angolans reach the last four for the first time in their history.

Primeiro de Agosto will now face Tunisia’s Esperance who beat local rivals Etoile du Sahel on a 3-1 aggregate to book a semi-final spot.

They were enjoying their first quarterfinals appearance but storming the last four undoubtedly makes this Agosto’s best season ever.

(Featured Image: TP Mazembe twitter)