TP Mazembe of DR Congo edged visiting Supersport United of South Africa 2-1 in the CAF Confederations Cup finals first leg in Lubumbashi Saturday to inch closer to a second glory.
Ghanaian midfielder Daniel Adjei struck the winner after prodigy Sipho Mbule of SuperSports had cancelled out Adama Traore’s early opener.
Mazembe will travel to Pretoria next weekend for the return match with the aggregate winner grabbing the CAF’s second rate club trophy.
Mali forward Adama broke the ice after an early dominance by the visitors against a run of play in the 18th minute – sending a rocket past goal keeper Ronwen Williams for a 1-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Supersport had countless chances to restore parity before the breather but Sename Wome, Jeremy Brockie, who is the leading top scorer of the tournament on ten goals and Bradley Grobler saw their chances go to waste.
19-year-old Sipho was however not to be denied and got the “Matsansantsa” back into the rhythm early in the second half with the leveler in the 49th minute.
The strike by the youngster was superbly awesome for his age.
Mazembe coach Pamphine Mihayo introduced Ghanaian Daniel in the later minutes of the match rejigging and restoring belief in his side just when they looked overwhelmed with the crowd silenced.
It paid off handsomely as he combined well to create the winner which Adjei buried home with panache in the 68th minute.
Mazembe visit Lucas “Masterpiece” Moripe Stadium, Pretoria Saturday 25th for the reverse tie with any draw favoring them as they gun for a back to back glory.
Supersport on the other hand carries the advantage of an away goal and a 1-0 win will be enough to earn them a first taste of the continental glory.