Publications
Partners
Cape Town - SuperSport United recovered from a double early setback to claim a 2-2 draw against the mighty TP Mazembe in a CAF Confederation Cup Group D game in Lubumbashi on Sunday.
Mazembe had the early chances as Rainford Kalaba twice missed the target, as did Miche Mika.
Having survived a couple of anxious moments, SuperSport were just starting to settle when they found themselves a goal down after 20 minutes when Tresor Mputu's superb through-ball picked out Ben Malango, who finished clinically from close range.
The lead was doubled just five minutes later when Kalaba latched onto a ball over the top before squeezing an angled shot in at the far post.
United seemed shell-shocked in front of the capacity crowd in Lubumbashi, yet they were able to pull a goal back just a minute later when Aubrey Modiba finished clinically with a left-footed shot in the box after a great assist by Teboho Mokoena.
Mputu was unlucky not to restore the defending champions' two goal lead a couple of moments later when he curled a free kick against the crossbar.
After Reneilwe Letsholonyane had wasted a good chance for SuperSport by thumping a shot into the stands, Solomon Asante saw his shot arrowing just wide of the target as the home side went into the break on top.
The DRC outfit started the second half full of purpose and could have extended their lead had Malango and Mputu not both missed headers from excellent positions, while at the other end of the park, Bradley Grobler also went close with a headed effort on 52 minutes.
Against the run of play, the Pretoria team snatched a 66th minute equaliser when Mokoena powerfully headed in a deep cross at the back post.
The pressure was to increase on both sides as Mazembe tried to appease their anxious home fans with a winner while the visitors had to throw bodies on the line in defence.
Adama Traoure squandered a wonderful opportunity for the hosts when he lifted a close-range curler over the bar two minutes from time.
SuperSport remained camped in their own box in the final five minutes of the game, but were to able to hold on for the point thanks to some committed and focussed defending.
The result means SuperSport, TP Mazembe and Guinea club Horoya are locked at the top of Group D with five points each after three rounds played.
