Staff Reporter.
AmaZulu FC held DR Congo giants and five times African champions TP Mazembe to a goalless draw in Durban on Friday.
The game witnessed no goals for both sides despite numerous chances over the 90 minutes in Durban.
The game’s first chance came for Amazulu at the quarter hour mark when Siphesihle Maduna sent a free-kick on target, but for TP Mazembe goalkeeper to stop easily.
AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa came to his side’s rescue on the brink of halftime, as the first half ended goalless.
After the break, AmaZulu coach and former Bafana Bafana superstar Benni McCarthy introduced Luvuyo Memela and Thabo Qalinge searching for a winner, but the visitors’ defense stopped all efforts.
The game ended in a barren stalemate, as everything will be decided in the second leg next weekend in Lubumbashi.
Meanwhile South Africa debutants Marumo Gallants shocked DR Congo giants AS Vita 2-1 in Polokwane, while Kenya’s Gor Mahia and Burkina Faso returned home with vital away victories. Tanzanian debutants Biashara United had a convincing home win.
Celimpilo Ngema opened the scoring for the hosts after 19 minutes, and completed his personal brace two minutes before the hour mark to give Gallants in a comfortable lead.
But Erick Kabwe pulled one back for Vita at the last minute to give The Black Dolpohins a lifeline as they are seeking a place in the next round.
AS Vita will host the return leg in Kinshasa next weekend where Gallants will look to avoid defeat to continue their fairytale debut.