Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambian international Rainford Kalaba struck twice and Salif Coulibaly added another to secure a 3-1 home victory for TP Mazembe against Medeama in the opening Caf Confederation Cup tie in Lubumbashi.
Malik Akowuah opening the scoring in the fourth minute when his fine finish found its way past TP Mazembe goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba to give the visitors an early lead.
Kwame Boahene then squandered an opportunity to double Medeama’s lead from close range in the 10th minute as Prince Owusu’s side continued to grow in confidence.
TP Mazembe found their feet in the game and five minutes later Medeama goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe could not do much to save Kalaba’s powerful header for the equalizer.
Coulibaly got to the end of a Solomon Asante corner-kick to give the home side a much deserving lead at the half time mark much to the disappointment of Medeama who had worked their socks off to stay level at the break.
In the second half, TP Mazembe dominated the game in every sense and could have added to their goal count had Asante and Nathan Sinkala buried their chances in front of goal. Kalaba could have completed a hat-trick but for his wastefulness.
TP Mazembe are top of Group A with three points while Yanga who lost to MO Bejaia on Sunday sit third and Medeama are bottom of the log.