Congo DR giants TP Mazembe will take a slender lead into the 2nd leg of the 2017 CAF Confederations Cup Final after they beat visiting SuperSport United in the first leg.
Coach Mihayo named skipper Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala and Kabaso Chongo in the starting line-up but there was no place on the bench for Given Singuluma who also plays at Mazembe.
Kalaba was the first to threaten in the game when he volleyed from about 35 yards but it was not until the 18th minute when Mali international Adama Traore scored the opener.
Sipho Mbule leveled two minutes after the restart with a well taken long range shot before Adjei Nii connected well from a corner to restore Mazembe’s lead.
31 year old former Chipolopolo skipper Kalaba lasted 58 minutes in the game while Sinkala who played in the defensive midfield position and Kabaso who was in his less comfortable central defensive position played the entire game.
With calls for Sinkala and Kalaba to be restored to the Chipolopolo fold rife amongst Zambian fans, the three were good on the day but did not do as much to back the fans’ calls.
The two teams meet in the return leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on 25th November.
Mazembe are the current holders of the CAF Confederations Cup title after they beat MO Beijaia 5 – 2 in the final of 2016.
TP Mazembe look a little less threatening than usual.
Watching this game made me see something either kalaba is finished or he was playing with people who don’t know how to use him
He was not influential at all the less about chongo he is a planga only Nathan was good making blocks and passing with his brains
Wada must only bring back Nathan
I agree, for large portions of the game Kalaba simply disappeared but I will give him credit for the moments he was in the game he showed some good skills.
Kabaso was consistently beaten on the flank. He just could not contain Thuso Phala on the wing.
Sinkala had a really good game, he was really bossing that defensive midfield so much so SS had to resort to not trying to run through the middle even with Jeremy Brokie there he still marshalled things in front of the central defenders. SS could only penetrate using the wings. On his day Sinkala can really be a marvel to watch.
I urge kalaba fans to forget about him he is one of the forgotten heroes he is a good but his form near