**CAF Champions League Final: Mazembe Edge USM Alger in First-Leg Victory**
TP Mazembe took a significant step towards lifting their third CAF Champions League title after securing a 2-1 away win against USM Alger in the first leg of the final on Saturday.
The Congolese side, led by coach Patrice Carteron, made a bright start in Algiers. Midfielder Rainford Kalaba put the visitors ahead with a well-taken volley past goalkeeper Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche. However, Mazembe’s momentum was checked late in the first half when Kalaba was sent off, leaving his team to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mazembe continued to apply pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when USM Alger defender Hocine El Orfi handled the ball inside the box. The referee not only awarded a penalty but also showed El Orfi a red card, reducing both sides to ten men. Nathan Sinkala stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort saved.
Mazembe were not to be denied for long. Just minutes later, Tanzanian forward Mbwana Samatta won a second penalty after drawing a foul inside the area. This time, he converted successfully to double the visitors’ lead and silence the home crowd.
USM Alger, seeking their first continental crown, managed to pull a goal back in the closing stages, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and keeping their hopes alive for the return leg.
The decisive second leg will be played on Sunday, 8 November 2015, in Lubumbashi. With an away victory and two valuable goals, Mazembe will go into the match as strong favourites to reclaim the title they last won in 2010.
—
