MAZEMBE EDGE PAST HILAL IN SEVEN-GOAL THRILLER

Former African champion, TP Mazembe of DR Congo edged past Sudanese giants Al-Hilal, 5-2 in their first leg semi-final clash of the Orange Champions League on Sunday.

The 1967 and 1968 African champions came twice from behind to record the resounding victory at the 40,000-capacity Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman, that keeps their treble ambitions firmly on track.

The result served a big blow to Hilal, twice losing finalists in 1987 and 1992, and eyeing their first ever continental title.

For Mazembe, experience and team unity proved the deciding factors as they succeeded in forcing a bitter bill down the throats of the 24-time Sudanese champions in front of their teeming fans.

Midfielder Lusadisu Basisila and defender Kubangu Mulota were the heroes for the Congolese champions, as they both scored twice.

The hosts opened the scores after 120-seconds through Malian-import Barry Demba before midfielder Lusadisu drew parity for ‘The Crows’ two minutes later.

On 25 minutes, Sudan legend Haitham Mustafa restored Hilal’s lead by firing home from the spot before defender Mulota equalized on the half-hour mark.

The second half belonged to ‘The Crows’ as they had the upperhand and as well made the best of the goal scoring opportunities that came their way.

In the 61st minute, midfielder Kaluyituka Dioko put the visitors in the lead for the first time in the lead before Mulota completed his brace on 79 minutes.

Lisadisu sealed victory in added-on time from the spot after a colleague had been fouled in the penalty area.

The second leg is slated for Lubumbashi in a fortnight and a stalemate will see Mazembe zooming into the final of the premier club competition since the introduction of the new format in 1997.

TP Mazembe Crush Al Hilal


October 4, 2009

TP Mazembe put in an inspired away performance as they beat Sudanese side Al Hilal 5-2 in their African Champions League semifinal, first leg, in Omdourman on Sunday night.

The DR Congo side looked to have sealed their final place, where they will in all likelihood meet Nigerian side Heartland, who defeated compatriots Kano Pillars 4-0 in the first leg of their semi.

Demba Barry gave Al Hilal a dream start when he scored inside the first minute, but the scores were level just three minutes later when Christian Liwanda netted for the visitors.

There was a power-failure at the ground on the 20-minute mark which held up the match for half-an-hour, but Haitham Mustafa restored the home side's lead from the penalty-spot.

They were once again pegged back by the Congolese though as Basisila Lusadisu levelled once more.

Further goals from Milouta Kabangou and Alain Kalayikuta sealed the win for the visitors, who look set to continue their dream run in the competition.