TP Mazembe have managed to secure a 1-0 slender win over Mamelodi Sundowns in their CAF Champions League group stage clash at Stade TP Mazembe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Champions League Group A showdown did not live up to its expectations despite the home side winning the match.
Below are some of the talking points from this encounter.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FACING TP MAZEMBE FOR THE 10TH TIME
This was the 10th time Rulani Mokwena‘s side went head-to-head with the Congolese side in CAF competitions.
In fact, from those 10 meetings, Sundowns has won five games, drew one, and lost four in the process.
To add that, TP Mazembe is only the third team from the continent they faced 10+ times after Wydad [14] and Al Ahly [16].
GLODY LIKONZA’S SOLO GOAL EARNS MAZEMBE MAXIMUM POINTS
When many thought that the game would end in a stalemate draw, Glody Likonza came to TP Mazembe’s rescue.
Likonza broke the deadlock in the 60th minute of the contest to earn his side maximum points at home.
SUNDOWNS PLAYERS RULED OUT FOR MAZEMBE CLASH
Bafana Ba Style came into this game with 10 players unavailable due to injuries.
The players are Mothobi Mvala [adductor injury], Abdelmounaim Boutouil [adductor injury], Aubrey Modiba [knee injury], Rivaldo Coetzee [quadriceps injury], Thando Buthelezi [hamstring injury], Siyanda Nyanga [adductor injury], Bathusi Aubaas [adductor injury], Junior Mendieta [hamstring injury], Thapelo Maseko [hamstring injury], and Rushine De Reuck [adductor injury].
CURRENT LOG STANDINGS
As a result, Sundowns remain top of Group A with three points. However, things might change after the Pyramids and Nouadhibou game which is scheduled to start at 18:00.
This defeat, was Rulani Mokwena’s second loss in CAF competitions since he took over the coaching reins at Sundowns as a solo coach.
Masandawana will be hoping to redeem themselves when they face Pyramid of Egypt on the 10th of December 2023.
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