
Bope netted the only goal of the match on 72 minutes, making the most of a defensive blunder from a resulting Roger Assale free-kick, as Mazembe strengthened their grip on the summit of Group A with the maximum six points from two games, whilst Yanga crushed to the bottom pointless.
The homers started the game on a high tempo that saw Juma Abdul with a shot at goal after only three minutes. Two minutes later, Thomas Ulimwengu lost a clear chance for Mazembe following a loss of concentration from the host’s backline.
Minutes later, Mazembe shot-stopper Sylvain Gbohouo denied Yanga the opener with a fine save from a Thaban Kamusoko free-kick from 20 yards.
Veteran defender Jean Kasulula nearly opened the scores a minute before recess for ‘Les Corbeaux’ but Young Africans goalie Deogratius Munishi responded positively.
The visitors resumed stronger and succeeded in breaking the deadlock through Bope on 72 minutes, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the host backline following a free-kick by Assale, for the goal that separated the two sides.
Earlier, Christian Luyindama had missed a sitter which could have given the Congolese the lead.
Yanga tried effortlessly in search of the equalizer but a Kamusoko drive from a set piece nine minutes from time was the closest they came.
Ghana’s Medeama will face MO Bejaia of Algeria in the other Group A Day Two match on Wednesday in the port city of Sekondi.
The Tanzanians will have a second chance to redeem themselves at home when they play host to Ghana’s Medeama in two weeks at the same venue, whilst Mazembe travels to the Algerian city of Bejaia to face debutants MO Bejaia.