Sports News of Monday, 20 March 2017

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Ghanaian players with TP Mazembe fail to reach Champions League group stage

Solomon Asante and Daniel Nii Adjei Solomon Asante and Daniel Nii Adjei

Solomon Asante and Daniel Nii Adjei’s TP Mazembe agonizingly suffered a shock elimination from this year’s African Champions League following their 0-0 draw with Zimbabwean side CAPS United in Harare.

Mazembe were under pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their last-32 tie at home in Lubumbashi last weekend

The away-goal proved to be crucial for CAPS United who withstood the pressure from Mazembe in the second leg in Harare, earning a 0-0 draw.

Mazembe, won the African Champions League in 2015, were left frustrated by the Zimbabwean underdogs on Sunday in their search for a goal.

As in the first leg in Lubumbashi, CAPS United's goalkeeper, Edmore Sibanda, stood firm to deny the DR Congo giants a chance to score.

It means Mazembe now drop into the African Confederation Cup play-off round, where they will look to defend the title they won in 2016.

The result is a huge accomplishment for CAPS United of Zimbabwe who have returned to the African Champions League after an 11-year absence.

They will now enter the group phase of the tournament which has been expanded from eight to 16 clubs.