Medeama suffer late heartbreak against TP Mazembe in CAF Champions League

Players of Medeama SC

Medeama SC suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to TP Mazembe in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa.

The Ghana Premier League champions started brightly as they looked to make home advantage count against the five-time African champions.

TP Mazembe created one of the better chances of the first half in the 33rd minute, but Chadrack Bingi-Belo’s header from a free kick was comfortably dealt with by Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei.

At the other end, Dominic Amponsah came close to putting Medeama ahead, but his close-range effort was stopped by Mazembe goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

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Felix Kyei was called into action again before the break, producing a good save to deny Josue Kazema and keep the scores level.

Medeama continued to push after the restart, with Emmanuel Annor testing Diouf from inside the penalty area in the 64th minute, but the Mazembe goalkeeper was equal to the effort.

With the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw, TP Mazembe struck late.

Substitute Lise Nyembo Ntumba finished off a quick counter-attack in the closing stages to give the visitors a crucial 1-0 advantage.

Medeama could not find an equaliser as TP Mazembe held on to secure an important away victory.