**TP Mazembe Fan Dies Following ACL Final Heart Attack**
Tragic news has emerged from the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, with a supporter of Congolese giants Tout Puissant Mazembe dying of a suspected heart attack during the match against USM Alger.
Radio Okapi reported that Fally Tshisekedi, a long-time Mazembe supporter, suffered a fatal cardiac episode following key moments in the game. Tshisekedi reportedly experienced shock after Rainford Kalaba, who opened the scoring for the Congolese side, received a red card. Despite attempting to continue watching the match, the missed penalty by Zambian midfielder Nathan Sinkala in the 64th minute proved too much.
Emergency services rushed Tshisekedi to hospital after he collapsed in his living room, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
TP Mazembe won the first leg 2-1 in Algeria and will host the return match next weekend in Lubumbashi. Tshisekedi, however, will not live to see the conclusion of the final.
The incident has prompted discussions about the emotional intensity of high-stakes football matches and the need for health precautions among fans, particularly those with known cardiac risks.
—