Al Merreikh of Sudan scored 10 minutes from time to grab a 2-1 first-leg lead over TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday in their African Champions League semi-final.

Local star Babeker ‘Al Medina’ Bakri snatched the winner in front of the 45,000 supporters who filled the Omdurman stadium.

Ghanaian Francis Coffie had put semi-finals debutants Merreikh ahead against four-time African champions Mazembe three minutes before half-time.

Thomas Ulimwengu, one of two Tanzanians in the multi-national line-up of the Congolese outfit, levelled for Mazemebe on 77 minutes.

It was the first goal Merreikh had conceded at home in seven Champions League matches this season, and could prove crucial overall.

A 1-0 victory for Mazembe in the southern mining city of Lubumbashi next Sunday would take them into the final on away goals.

Before Saturday’s contest, Merreikh coach Diego Garzitto had admitted he was realising a dream by facing Mazembe with his Sudanese club.

The 65-year-old Italy-born handler had steered DR Congo’s Mazembe to victory in the premier African club competition six seasons ago.

The first leg of the other semi-final will also be played in Omdurman with Al Hilal of Sudan hosting USM Alger of Algeria on Sunday at a different stadium.

Drug cheat and leading USM Champions League scorer Mohamed Youcef Belaili has been ruled out of the Hilal tie after receiving a two-year international ban this week.

Belaili, who scored four Confederation of African Football goals this season, tested positive for an unspecified banned substance last month after a group victory over fellow Algerians Mouloudia El Eulma.

USM, whose best previous showing was reaching the 2003 semi-finals, are returning to Omdurman two weeks after losing 1-0 to Merrikh in a group game.

Twice runners-up Hilal are a multi-national squad coached by Tunisian Nabil Kouki and captained by Saif Masawi, a defender with a fondness for scoring goals.