NAN-S-4
Cup
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 6, 2016 (NAN) DR Congo’s TP Mazembe Football Club claimed their first CAF Confederations Cup title, beating MO Béjaïa of Algeria 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate) in the second-leg of the final at the TP Mazembe Stadium on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following a 1-1 stalemate in Blida a week ago, the Ravens were always going to be favourites to claim the 2016 crown under a sunny Lubumbashi sky, and so it proved.
Having lost in the 2013 final, Coach Hubert Velud was tasked with leading the club to success in Africa’s second-tier club competition and his troops didn’t disappoint as the five time Caf Champions League winners outclassed their visitors.
Merveille Bope rattled the back of the net as early as the seventh minute, with the Ravens midfielder guiding the ball past Chamseddine Rahmani at his back post.
The hosts continued to dominate proceeding and doubled their lead two minutes before the break.
Zambian midfielder Rainford Kalaba rammed home an unstoppable right-footed shot as Rahmani remained rooted to his spot.
Kalaba completed his brace in the 62nd minute of the clash.
Solomon Asante set up his teammate, who made no mistake with a powerful left-footed effort to send the home fans into absolute delirium.
The goal was Kalaba’s eighth of the campaign.
The Crabs pulled a goal back through Sofiane Khadir on 75 minutes, but Jonathan Bolingi restored the hosts lead two minutes later.
The Democratic Republic of Congo forward made no mistake from close range.
NAN also reports that Mazembe will now face 2016 CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in the Caf Super Cup early next year. (NAN)
VO/YAZ
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Edited by Yusuf Zango