The Congolese giants secured a major advantage in Africa’s premier club competition as they won 2-1 in Algeria

FEATURE By Ed Dove Follow on Twitter By

USM Alger won’t know whether to be relieved or dismayed following their Caf Champions League final first-leg bout against TP Mazembe on Saturday evening.

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On the one hand, the Algerian heavyweights fell to a 2-1 defeat, both losing the initiative in the contest and ceding two away goals. Anything other than a victory would have left them with a mountain to climb considering Mazembe’s formidable record in Lubumbashi.

However, there will also be a flickering glimmer of optimism for Miloud Hamdi and his side, who will count themselves fortunate to only be one goal down—and therefore still ‘in’ the contest—after the first match between the pair.

Similarly, the dismissal of Rainford Kalaba, one of Mazembe’s key men and certainly among their chief creative outlets, may hit Les Corbeaux hard and reduce the scale of the onslaught USMA are likely to face in Congo next weekend.

It was Kalaba who opened the scoring, firing past Mohamed Zemmamouche from outside the area with a magical volley just before the half-hour mark, However, the Zambia international was dismissed before the half was up for slapping Hocine El Orfi.

Kalaba | A sumptuous effort and a deserved red card

USMA’s advantage was short-lived, as defensive midfielder El Orfi was himself sent off after receiving a second yellow card for handball soon after the restart. El Orfi had been operating as a shield in front of the defence, and the speed with which he accrued yellow cards and remarks from the referee is testament to the sheer work he had to do in protecting his defence, as Mazembe tore forward in waves.

Nathan Sinkala could have extended the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot following El Orfi’s misdemeanour, but his effort was saved by Zemmamouche—continuing his superlative form from the second leg of the semi-final victory over Al-Hilal.

Tanzania forward Mbwana Samatta and compatriot Thomas Ulimwengu both had chances to extend the lead, and it was the former who eventually made it two. The attacker made no mistake after winning a penalty for himself, having been brought down by Naceredine Khoualed, who looked uncomfortable throughout.

While Les Corbeaux, chasing their first-ever victory in Algeria, were perhaps unlucky to be only two goals to the good, the home side will count themselves fortunate indeed to have halved the Congolese side’s advantage before the final whistle.

Mohamed Seguer volleyed past Robert Kidiaba in the dying minutes to restore a glimmer of hope, further enforcing the sentiment that this tie is not done and dusted.

In truth, it should be.

Ulimwengu | Formed a devastating attacking trident alongside Kalaba and Samatta

Beyond the specific incidents already outlined, Hamdi’s young and talented side—so fearless and in control thus far in the tournament—appeared overawed by the occasion and somewhat in awe of their illustrious opponents. Without the likes of Youcef Belaili, Rabie Meftah and Oussama Derfalou, their early forays came to naught.

The terrace roar and tribunes bedecked in red and black appeared to weigh heavy upon them and found nerves rather than nerve. Their angst manifested itself in a hesitation in possession and a sidewards-looking game that lacked its usual zip, and any chance of taking the initiative evaporated as USMA’s self-doubt crept in.

Mazembe—seeking their fifth continental crown—are firmly in control, there’s no question about it, but this continental showpiece is far from over.