Medeama suffered a 1-0 loss
Medeama SC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to TP Mazembe in the first leg of their CAF Champions League First Preliminary Round tie at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa on Sunday.
The Ghanaian champions put up a spirited performance against the Congolese giants and looked set to secure a goalless draw until substitute Lise Ntumba Nyembo struck three minutes before the end of normal time.
TP Mazembe created the first major opening in the 33rd minute when Chadrack Bingi-Belo headed a free-kick towards goal, but Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei gathered comfortably.
Medeama responded with a strong chance of their own as Dominic Amponsah was denied from close range by Mazembe goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
Kyei then produced a superb save in the 43rd minute to keep out Josue Kazema and ensure the sides went into the break level.
The Mauve and Yellow continued to push after the interval, with Emmanuel Annor coming close in the 64th minute, only for Diouf to make another crucial stop.
Just when the game appeared destined to end goalless, Mazembe broke quickly on the counter and Nyembo finished the move to give the visitors a vital advantage.
Medeama pushed for an equaliser late on but could not find a way through.
The Ghanaian champions now face a difficult task in the second leg in Lubumbashi next week, where they must overturn the 1-0 deficit to keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.
BY Wletsu Ransford