Medeama SC suffered a late setback in their CAF Champions League campaign after falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat against TP Mazembe in the first leg of the preliminary round at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa.
The Ghana Premier League champions appeared on course to secure a positive result at home after keeping the five-time African champions in check for most of the match.
However, Mazembe struck in the 86th minute to snatch victory and take a slender advantage into the second leg.
Medeama Start Strong
Medeama made the brighter start and controlled much of the opening exchanges, preventing their experienced Congolese opponents from settling into the game.
The Tarkwa-based side created opportunities to break the deadlock but struggled to convert their chances, as Mazembe’s defence held firm.
The two teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.
Mazembe Strike Late
The second half produced a more open contest, with both sides pushing forward in search of the decisive goal.
Just when Medeama appeared set to hold out for a draw, TP Mazembe found the breakthrough four minutes from full time.
The late goal handed the visitors a crucial advantage and left Medeama facing an uphill battle in the return leg.
Medeama Face Tough Task in Return Leg
Medeama will now need to overturn the 1-0 deficit in the second leg to keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.
The Ghanaian champions will have to improve their attacking output and find the back of the net in the return fixture if they are to progress to the next stage of the competition.
