Mazembe capture African CL title

Leading marksman Mbwana Samata scored from the spot on 75 minutes before substitute Roger Assale put the icing on the cake in added-on time as Mazembe completed a double over their guests and 4-1 on aggregate to claim their fifth continental crown.

‘Les Corbeaux’ whose other triumphs were in 1967, 1968, 2009 and 2010 pocketed a $1.5 million (US) for the feat in addition to the ticket to represent the continent at the FIFA Club World Cup from December 10-20 in Japan.

The Algerians, USM Alger, were $1-million richer for their efforts, despite failing to replicate the feat of their rivals, ES Setif, who beat AS Vita of DR Congo last year to win the biggest prize in continental club football.

A 2-1 win from the first leg last week in Algiers gave Mazembe a firm base to build on, but they had to wait until midway into the second half to get their breakthrough against a determined USMA side, who matched their hosts squarely in every department of the game.

USMA coach Miloud Hamdi handed a surprise start to second choice goalie Ismail Mansouri ahead of Mohamed Zemmamouche, who had amassed over 1 000 minutes of playing time over the period, and the former did not disappoint, standing tall and denying the home team the opener a couple of times.

After a barren balanced first half, Mazembe coach Patrice Carteron made double substitutions, bringing on Daniel Nii Adjei and Roger Assalé for Nathan Sinkala and Solomon Asante respectively for the second session.

The introduction of fresh limbs began to pay off for ‘Les Corbeaux’ and on 62 minutes, Malian Adama Traore was unlucky to see his shot from close range narrowly miss the target. At the other end, Hocine Benayada fired a low shot which flew just across the face of goal.

The turning point of the game was on 74 minutes when Assale, after beating two defenders, was felled by Farouk Chafai for a penalty which was converted with ease by Samata for the opener.

The Algerians had a good chance to draw level on 83 minutes, but substitute Rachid Nadji missed a sitter with only Kidiaba to beat after Kaddour Beldjilali had put him through.

In the fourth minute of added-on time, Mazembe broke loose on the counter with Samata and Assale upfront against Mansouri, and Samata squared to Assale, who shot into an empty net to seal the victory.

ANA