Esperance dash Mazembe’s dreams

Esperance beat TP Mazembe 1-0 in Tunis on Saturday evening to dash the DR Congo giants’ dreams of reaching the 2012 African Champions League final.The Tunisians’ win was also sweet revenge for their loss to Mazembe two years ago in the finals of the same competition that they lost 6-1 on aggregate.Esperance advances to next month’s final 1-0 on aggregate after playing out to a scoreless draw in the first leg in Lubumbashi a fortnight ago on October 7.Mazembe came into this match limping as they were minus two key players.Zambia defender Stophilla Sunzu was suspended for the game after accruing two yellows in the first leg.His compatriot and midfielder Rainford Kalaba was also absent due to a groin injury he sustained in the last encounter on October 7.The first half in Tunis finished scoreless although Esperance had two good chances to go ahead.Defender Harrison Afful’s header in the 8th minute was intercepted by Mazembe goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba.The Black Stars defender again tested Kidiaba in the 23rd minute with a long range effort that the DR Congo international parried.Mazembe’s best chance came on 35 minutes through striker Given Singuluma, but his shot flew over the bar and did not bother goalkeeper Moez Ben Chrifia.Esperance secured their passage to next month’s final through Mohamed Ben Masour who scored the game’s lone goal in the 70th minute to break Mazembe hearts.Masour’s effort sailed in from a tight angle after turning in a Khalil Chemmam free kick.Meanwhile, Singuluma gave Esperance a late scare with last gasp shot that Chrifia saved.Agencies

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Esperance dash Mazembe’s dreams