Marumo Gallants suffered a 1-0 defeat to Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup play-off round clash.
Result: TP Mazembe 1-0 Marumo Gallants
Date: 28 November 2020
Venue: Stade du TP Mazembe
Gallants came into the clash with some renewed confidence after getting their first league win last weekend which was followed by a goalless draw with Maritzburg United this week.
The South Africans were no strangers to Congolese opposition as they eliminated AS Vita in the previous round, which saw them clinch a 1-1 draw on the road.
Mazembe, meanwhile, had a score to settle as their Champions League dream was ended by fellow South African side AmaZulu in the final round of group stage qualifiers.
However, the Congolese giants had to wait until the stroke of halftime to get the opening goal as Gallants Lehlohonolo Nonyane deflected the ball into his own net.
Gallants responded with a change in the second half as Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo made way for Monde Mphambaniso with the hope getting an away goal.
The South African side were unable to get the important away goals in the Congo as they against Vita in the last round, as Mazembe held on for the slim victory.
Dan Malesela's charges will now head to the second leg next weekend, knowing only a victory will see them advance to the group stages.
