TP Mazembe held rivals AS Vita to a barren draw in their ultimate Group A match on Sunday in Kinshasa to finish tops of the group.
Mazembe edged rivals AS Vita on the head-to-head rule despite both teams amassing 11 points apiece from six games at the group phase, and are through to the semis.
Hosts AS Vita were hoping to sign-off with the maximum points of their bitterest rivals after tasting defeats in the last three meetings between the two sides. However, the visitors survived several scares into the half throughout the game.
Yunus Sentamu and Firmin Mubel Ndombe made life difficult for ‘Les Corbeaux’ from the onset in search for the opener. However Mazembe goalie Muteba Kidiaba stood between them and goal with some superb saves.
Mazembe edged rivals AS Vita on the head-to-head rule despite both teams amassing 11 points apiece from six games at the group phase, and are through to the semis.
Hosts AS Vita were hoping to sign-off with the maximum points of their bitterest rivals after tasting defeats in the last three meetings between the two sides. However, the visitors survived several scares into the half throughout the game.
Yunus Sentamu and Firmin Mubel Ndombe made life difficult for ‘Les Corbeaux’ from the onset in search for the opener. However Mazembe goalie Muteba Kidiaba stood between them and goal with some superb saves.
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Kidiaba parried out Mabele Bawaka’s goalbound shot before also pulling off an acrobatic response to deny the homers minutes later in the second half.
Mazembe were let off the hook in the dying minutes after Mubele’s header hit the upright with Kidiaba completely beaten.
By virtue of topping the group, Mazembe will face ES Setif of Algeria whilst AS Vita battles CS Sfaxien of Tunisia for a place at the final.
This is the first time in the history of the premier continental club championship that two Congolese clubs have reached the last four.
Reactions
Florent Ibenge (Coach, AS Vita)
We played well and deserved to win. Unfortunately, we lacked realism. The fans saw two top teams in action. We will work on our weakness before the next game.
Muteba Kidiaba (goalkeeper, TP Mazembe)
We had a good result and I fully played my part. We must look to the future and work towards achieving our ultimate goal.
Mazembe were let off the hook in the dying minutes after Mubele’s header hit the upright with Kidiaba completely beaten.
By virtue of topping the group, Mazembe will face ES Setif of Algeria whilst AS Vita battles CS Sfaxien of Tunisia for a place at the final.
This is the first time in the history of the premier continental club championship that two Congolese clubs have reached the last four.
Reactions
Florent Ibenge (Coach, AS Vita)
We played well and deserved to win. Unfortunately, we lacked realism. The fans saw two top teams in action. We will work on our weakness before the next game.
Muteba Kidiaba (goalkeeper, TP Mazembe)
We had a good result and I fully played my part. We must look to the future and work towards achieving our ultimate goal.
By: Cafonline.com
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