Primeiro de Agosto were unable to make the most of home advantage after they were held 0-0 by Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the first leg of the teams’ 2018 CAF Champions League quarterfinal.
The DR Congo giants and Angolan contenders both had numerous chances at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda, but the quality of finishing on show left much to be desired – hence the blank score line.
Agosto were the first team to have a clear sight of goal, with Mazembe goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo making a clanger in the 19th minute to gift Ibukun Akinfenwa a great chance, but the striker failed to capitalise.
The DRC side gradually established a foothold in the game and had a great opportunity of their own at the half-hour mark, with Ben Malango Ngita spurning the chance to find the back of the net.
The second half saw the teams continue to struggle with their aim at goal, as Agosto’s Jacques Bitumba sent a header wide of the mark in the 57th, while Mazembe’s Jackson Muleka cracked a volley off target from long range around the hour mark.
The Ravens thought they had broke the deadlock with about 10 minutes of regulation time to play when Ushindi Kubanza finally found the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
That proved to be the last attacking highlight of the match, which finished in a stalemate and leaves the tie precariously poised.
The return leg is scheduled to be played on Friday, September 21 at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Primeiro de Agosto:
Adao Cabaca, Benjamin, Afonso, Unge, Da Costa (Bua 61’), Regio Congo, Balburdia, Cafumana (Ganga 62’), Bokamba, Jacques (Rasaq 78’), Akinfenwa
Mazembe start list:
Gbohouo, Mpeko, Chongo, Zatu, Kasusula, Kouame, Sinkala, Muleka (Kubanza 75’), Mika (Mputu 70’), Elia (Likonza 84’), Ngita
