DR Congo will have two representatives at the lucrative mini-league stage of the Orange CAF Champions League for the first time.
Four-time winners TP Mazembe and AS Vita, champions in 1973 scrapped through to the last eight of the premier continental club championship with varied results on Saturday.
A lone goal victory over Sewe Sport of Cote d’Ivoire ensured Mazembe a return to the group phase for the first time since 2012, whilst AS Vita sealed a historic berth at the last eight despite a 2-0 loss in Johannesburg against Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.
Tanzania duo, Mbwana Samata and Thomas Ullimwengu, and Ghanaian midfielder Solomon Asante made the difference to overturn a 1-2 loss from the first leg in Abidjan. Mazembe could afford a miss from the spot by Jonas Sakuwaha on 52 minutes after Asante was fouled in the vital area.
On 66 minutes, Ulimwengu squared compatriot Samata to score the only goal of the encounter in Lubumbashi. Mazembe advanced on the away goal rule after a 2-2 aggregate.
In Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs went up through Knowlegde Musona on nine minutes but could only get second on 92 minutes through Morgan Gould. The result ensured AS Vita progress 3-2 on aggregate.
CS Sfaxien maintained their perfect run with a 2-0 win over visiting Djoliba of Mali in Sfax to complete a double and book their place at the group phase. First half strikes from Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Mohamed Ali Moncer handed Sfaxien passage 3-0 on aggregate.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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