Lubumbashi giants TP Mazembe stretched their unbeaten run in the 2023 Congolese Ligue 1 season to nine matches after their 3-1 victory over Blessing FC in Kolwezi this afternoon.
The match, a round 9 Ligue encounter, was played at the Diur Stadium where Lamine N’Diaye’s charges put up dominant performance to maintain their lead at the summit of the table.
Mazembe suffered an early setbacks first in the 20th minute when Leopards international goalkeeper Siadi Baggio was forced to leave the match due to injury with Nigerian stopper Suleiman Shaibu replacing him.
Shaibu had lasted just three minutes on the field when he conceded the opening goal of the match as dangerman Kamanga Ngita scored to put Blessing in the lead.
Mazembe replied in spectacular fashion in the 30th minute as Nigerian midfielder Augustine Oladapo scored with a powerful shot from range after being teed up by Glody Likonza.
The match then went into the half-time break with the scores still level at 1-1.
The five-time champions stamped their authority on the game in the second-half and almost took the lead in the 62nd minute as Zimbabwean full-back Gilroy Chimwemwe sent a fine delivery into the box but both Likonza and Fily Traore failed to connect from close range.
Mazembe finally took the lead in 82nd minute through striker and substitute Joel Beya who rose above the hosts defenders to head in Chimwemwe’s delivery from a corner.
Likonza then added a third goal in injury-time as he connected with youngster Patient Mwamba’s pass to seal the victory for the Ravens.
Mazembe have now extended their lead at the summit of the Ligue 1 table of Group A with 23 points, one ahead of second placed FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
