Medeama SC have suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to five-time African champions TP Mazembe in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first qualifying round at the Tarkwa TnA Park.
The Ghanaian champions put up a strong performance and matched their experienced Congolese opponents for large spells, but a late strike from substitute Lise Nyembo handed TP Mazembe the advantage.
Medeama started brightly and created several opportunities, with Emmanuel Annor causing problems for the visitors’ defence with his pace and direct attacking play.
The home side came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions, but goalkeeper Marc Diouf also had to make important saves to keep TP Mazembe in contention.
Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei was equally impressive, denying the Congolese side when they threatened, including a dangerous effort from Chadrack Bingi Belo.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before halftime, with the two teams heading into the break level at 0-0.
TP Mazembe returned from the interval with greater attacking intent and increased pressure on the Medeama defence.
The decisive moment arrived late in the match when Malawi international Lanjesi Nkhoma helped create an opening for Nyembo, who kept his composure inside the box before firing past Kyei to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Medeama were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle, leaving them with a difficult task in the second leg.
The return fixture will be played at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, with the winner over the two legs advancing to the second preliminary round, where they will face either Club Africain of Tunisia or Djoliba of Mali.
