Congolese giants TP Mazembe beat Algerian side CS Constantine 2-0 in a CAF Champions League C match played at the Stade TP Mazembe in the DR Congolese city of Lubumbashi on Saturday.
The result allowed both teams to progress into the quarter-final.
Jackson Muleka scored the first goal in the 13th minute through a penalty and midfielder Tresor Mputu added the second in the 67th minute with a volley from close range.
The Ravens were called to earlier defending when Ibrahim Mounkoro was asked to make the first save in the opening minutes from Sid Ali Lamri’s direct shot.
Nassim Yettou then managed to whim his way through the defence before placing a good shot at goal which went wide later on.
Constantine did conjure up moments of their own, but solid defending from Nasreddine Zaalani kept out shots from Rainford Kalaba and Mika Miche.
It was a matter of time before Mazembe took the lead when Jackson Muleka was brought down in the box by a Constantine defender and picked himself up to score from the spot, squeezing the ball past Chamseddine Rohmani who seemed to have saved the shot.
In order to stay in front, Mazembe needed a superb save from Ibrahim Mounkoro to keep out a 24-yard free-kick effort from Said Arroussi four minutes later.
Sid Ali was afforded the time to get inside the box, take on a few defenders before getting a shot wide of the target.
Running riot down the wing, Islam Chahrour used his speed to good effect to set up a chance for Dylon Bahamboula but the Congolese slipped before trying to get a shot away.
Kevin Zatu then managed to whim his way through Constantine’s defence before placing a good shot at goal which went wide.
Following the restart, Mazembe started on a more promising note and found a few spaces in their opponent’s side to set-up half-chances for, among others, Kabaso Chango
After struggling to get back into the equation, Constantine changed their all-round approach and introduced a few substitutions.
The visitors had the chance for an equalizer, but after good work from Haddad to set up Yettou, the winger couldn’t take advantage after shooting from inside the box.
Mazembe doubled their lead in the 67th minute when midfielder Tresor Mputu added the second goal with a volley from close range.
With twenty minutes remaining, a call for offside was dismissed as Nasreddine Zaalani found space inside the box but the forward shot horribly over the top with Mounkoro left for dead.
A shot from Sofiane Khadir sailed over the bar with 15 minutes to go as their threat to get an equalizer grew stronger and stronger.
As their plight to get back into the game grew, a shot from outside the box from second-half substitute Mohamed Walid once again flew over the top with the hosts sitting back and defending with their all.
The Congolese called on their men from the bench, with a double switch in of Mulota Kabangu and Nathan Sinkala in the final stages.
Kabangu intercepted a ball off Belkacemi to go one-on-one with Ibrahim Mounkoro but horribly missed the chance to increase the lead with a wayward finish, although Mazembe managed to hold on for the win.
How they lined up:
Mazembe Starting XI: Ibrahim Mounkoro (GK), Godet Masengo, Kabaso Chongo, Kevin Zatu, Mondeko Arsène Zola, Christian Koffi Kouame, Mika Miche, Tresor Mputu Mabi, Meschack Elia, Jackson Muleka, Rainford Kalaba
CS Constantine Staring XI: Chamseddine Rahmani (GK), Sofiane Khadir, Nasreddine Zaalani, Said Arroussi, Islam Chahrour, Fouad Haddad, Nassim Yettou, Sid Ali Lamri, Abdenour Belkheir, Dylan Bahamboula, Ismail Belkacemi
