TheCable

TP Mazembe of Congo DR have a hand on a fifth CAF Champions League title after beating USM Alger of Algeria 2-1 in the first leg of the final.

Rainford Kalaba opened the scoring for the visitors but was shown a red card in first-half added time while the host had Hocine El Orfi sent off too for two bookable offences early in the second half.

Mazembe had a great chance to double their lead, but Mbwana Samatta was denied from the spot by goalkeeper Mohamed Zemmamouche.

When the referee awarded them another penalty kick a few minutes later, Samatta made no mistake this time to give his side a 2-0 lead.

Mohamed Seguer gave USM Alger a glimmer of hope by scoring a late goal, but the visitors held on for a famous win.

The second leg will take place in Lubumbashi on Sunday, November 8.