The Ravens experienced an epic evening on this occasion. After a start of the game that was marked by chances on both sides, hinting at an open match, Jonathan Toro strikes his shot perfectly and beats TP Mazembe’s goalkeeper Aliou Faty, giving the advantage to the Angolans in the 29th minute of play.
Despite the conceded goal, the Tout-Puissant struggles to find its bearings up until the end of the first half when Oscar Kabwit eliminates a defender and floors the Angolan goalkeeper before missing the target. An occurrence that crushed the morale of his teammates who collapsed before heading back to the locker room for the 15-minute break.
After coming out of the locker rooms, Lamine Ndiaye makes a double substitution in the 64th minute: Oscar Kabwit and Glody Likonza make way for Fily Traoré and Patient Mwamba. Now increasingly involved in the game, Mazembe equalizes in the 82nd minute through Philipe Kinzumbi who fools the Angolan goalkeeper at a tight angle after a selfless pass from the new arrival Keita.
Stunned, the entire Angolan block, including goalkeeper Hugo Marques, mobilized to seek the 2nd goal, synonymous with qualification. Capitalizing on the space left behind, Joël Beya found himself at the end of a counter-attack in front of an empty post.
Thus, Tout-Puissant Mazembe finds itself in the semi-finals 5 years later. The Ravens have also managed to score two goals against what had been the best defense of the competition until then. Petro Atletico had not conceded in their last 7 Champions League matches, which is a record in the competition.
TP Mazembe will face National Al Ahly of Cairo in the semi-final. The first leg is scheduled for April 19, 2024, at the TP Mazembe stadium in Lubumbashi.
Joseph Bahati