Reigning Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC put up a spirited performance against five-time African champions TP Mazembe but suffered a late 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie.
The Mauves looked set to hold the Congolese giants to a goalless draw after a competitive encounter in which both sides created chances.
TP Mazembe had the first clear opportunity in the 33rd minute when Chadrack Bingi-Belo rose to meet a free-kick inside the Medeama box, but his header lacked direction and was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Felix Kyei.
Medeama responded with a chance of their own, but Dominic Amponsah was denied from close range by Mazembe goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
Kyei was called into action again shortly before the break, making an important save to keep out Josue Kazema as the two sides went into halftime level at 0-0.
Medeama continued to push for the opener after the restart, with Emmanuel Annor coming close in the 64th minute. However, his effort from inside the box was saved by Diouf.
Just when it appeared the game was heading for a goalless draw, Mazembe struck in the 87th minute.
Substitute Lise Ntumba Nyembo finished off a swift counter-attack to break Medeama’s resistance and silence the home crowd.
Medeama pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way through, leaving Mazembe with a narrow but valuable 1-0 advantage.
The Ghanaian champions now face a difficult task in the second leg in Lubumbashi next week. Medeama must overturn the one-goal deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League alive.
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