TP Mazembe players

Ghanaian trio were in action for DR Congo giants TP Mazembe when they beat Botswana’s Mochudi Centre Chiefs 1-0 on Saturday in the CAF Champions League.

Richard Kissi Boateng, Daniel Adjei and Solomon Asante were all in action as the Ravens won their CAF Champions League last 32, first leg tie in Gaborone.

Baoteng and Adjei started the away match for the former African Champions while Asante was a second half substitute.

Mazembe secured the valuable away win 10 minutes from full time through their Tanzania striker Aly Samatta.

Mazembe should have won the match by a wider margin but for the profligacy of their players in front of goal.

Defender Jean Kasusula missed a 10th minute penalty while Samatta failed to convert a glorious opportunity after Asante made light work of three defenders.

The Tanzanian striker shot into the side netting before making amends moments later with the only goal of the game.

Boateng played the entire duration of the game, Adjei was substituted with three minutes remaining while Asante came on for Zambia international Jonas Sakuwaha in the 59th minute.

Gladson Awako and Yaw Frimpong were not in action in the match.

Ghanaian players have become an important part of the TP Mazembe team since they were signed by the rich DR Congo club in the off-season.

They are expected to play a key role in their quest to win this year’s Champions League.

The return leg will take place in Lubumbashi on 7 April.

Robert Kidiaba – Eric NKULUKLUTA, Jean KASUSULA, Joel KIMWAKI, Richard KISSI BOATENG, Ilongo Patrick, Daniel ADJEI (Hervé NDONGA 87 th ), Tresor MPUTU (Given Singuluma 79 th ), – Aly Mbwana Samatta, Jonas SAKUWAHA (Solomon ASANTE 59 th ), Rainford Kalaba.

Yellow Card: Richard KISSI BOATENG (68 th ), Patrick Ilongo (78 th )