TP Mazembe distinguished itself during its first match in the African Football League by winning a victory (1-0) against Esperance sportive de Tunis. This meeting took place on October 22, 2023 at the Benjamin Nkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
From the 11th minute, TP Mazembe took the lead thanks to a superb kick from Philippe Kinzumbi from a corner. His precise pass allowed Fofana to place an unstoppable header and open the scoring. Despite several clear chances in the second half, the Tunisian team failed to find the net.
Video refereeing (VAR) also played a decisive role in this meeting. In the 62nd minute, Esperance sportive de Tunis scored a goal, but it was refused for offside position after consultation with the VAR. This decision sparked lively debates, but it confirmed the referees’ desire to use new technologies to guarantee the fairness of matches.
This victory gives TP Mazembe a good lead, but nothing is over yet. The Congolese team will have to face Esperance sportive de Tunis once again during the return match scheduled for October 25 in Tunis. This meeting will be decisive in determining which team will qualify for the next stage of the competition.
TP Mazembe, a historic Congolese football club, arouses great pride among supporters who hope that this victory will be the start of a great adventure in this edition of the African Football League. Players and coach can also be satisfied with their performance and continue working to achieve their goals.
This meeting highlights the importance of football in Africa and its role in bringing people together. Continental competitions provide a platform for talent and excellence, allowing players to showcase themselves and proudly represent their country.
In conclusion, TP Mazembe achieved an excellent performance by winning its first victory in the African Football League against Esperance sportive de Tunis. This exciting meeting demonstrated the quality of African football and the importance of fair play. The fans are looking forward to the second leg and hope to see their team continue their successful run in the competition.