TP Mazembe suffered a setback in their first group stage match of the Champions League, losing to El Hilal at the Khartoum Stadium. The only goal of the match came from El Hilal’s Salah Hassan in the 51st minute, securing a victory for the Sudanese club.
Despite late chances, including one from Tanzanian forward Mbwana Samatta that narrowly missed the target, TP Mazembe couldn’t find the equalizer. The team struggled with creativity and assertiveness, particularly in midfield where they were outplayed by El Hilal’s Nazar.
El Hilal’s Brazilian coach, Paulo Campos, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their tactical approach and the significance of securing three points in the opening match. He acknowledged that TP Mazembe and Zamalek are the favorites in the group, making the victory even more valuable.
TP Mazembe will look to bounce back in their next match against local rivals AS Vita Club and will need to improve their performance to stay competitive in the Champions League.
Tags: TP Mazembe, El Hilal, Champions League, DR Congo, Sudan, football
