IFFHS CONTINENTAL NEWS - AFRICA
Picture : Orlando pirates on the way to the final.
Orlando Pirates, TP Mazembe win CAF Confederation Cup first leg semifinals.
But the bigger win was to the credit of Orlando Pirates who travelled to the Martyrs of February Stadium to humble hosts Al Ahly of Tripoli 0-2. Innocent Maela raised the curtains in the 8th minute followed by a 29th minute strike by Goodman Mosele. Although better ball possession was credited the hosts with a 65% edge as against 35% for the visitors, the pirates shot 19 times with 7 on target, while Ahly shot 9 times with just 2 on target. They barely sparred in corner kicks, one more credited the more realistic pirates whose 0-2 win virtually paves the way for a final appearance ahead of the second leg at base in two weeks.
At the Stade TP Mazembe, visiting BSK Berkane virtually fought the more performing hosts, TP Mazembe to a standstill only caving in 5 minutes into stoppage time of the game courtesy of the lone goal by John Bakata. It was a particularly resilient visiting team which absorbed the pressure from the hosts credited with a 65% ball possession during which play they shot 26 times as against 6 for the opponents, and hitting target 7 times as against 2. It is remarkable that the Congolese could get just one late goal from their 16 corner kicks as against none. The second leg game in two weeks could thus well go either way.