Tout Puissant Mazembe

WAC WAS AT THE HEIGHT.-Objectively analyze this match, starting by saying that Wydad Casablanca deserves compliments. For the quality of the reception extended to TP Mazembe in Moroccan soil. And for the performance it provided in the Grand Stade de Marrakech. For the will to win, too, which was lively during the first round. No wonder his Welsh coach John TOSHACK has said: "The team did one of his best games since I am here..."

POOR START FOR THE RAVENS.- Early in the game, the Casablanca had their task made easier by the more than slow start by TPM. Coach VELUD lamented that aspect of the game, which allowed WAC to forge an iron moral. And that could be costly to the Ravens without the brilliance of Sylvain GBOHOUO.

AND YET, WE KNEW...- In preparing the match, the staff had put the players on alert: WAC draws its strength from its external midfielders. They knows how to put the speed and percussion in their offensive and quarter a defense. And t they have proved it. The Ravens suffered a lot from the Moroccan raids. While they were warned...

A GOAL THAT HURTS.- Despite their shortcomings, the TPM held 44 minutes without being beaten. Then just when they thought to go to the locker room with the 0-0 that they made themselves stabbed. After a return by GBOHOUO, the ball was recrossed in the second post where the Senegalese central defender FALL in duel with CHONGO, put it with head on the bar. Without opposition, another defender (!) Pushed it to the bottom.

FROM ONE PENALTY TO ANOTHER.- In the second half – much better on Mazembe side – the Algerian referee Mohamed BENOUZA who, as a good Oran neighbor, would seal the fate of the match by two highly questionable decisions. He refused at first a blatant penalty to Thomas ULIMWENGU served by Meschak ELIA and crocheted from behind. Worse: he made a royal gift to Hajhouj REDA, which COULIBALY (not KIMWAKI as we have written in direct) gave a shove OUTSIDE THE AREA. Video of diving in the rectangle of the WAC striker leaves no doubt: the referee has taken an unacceptable decision, not to say the least....

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.- With his two goals, the TPM has imposed a large-format challenge: spend three goals to Morocco's champions, who have always lost away so far. This is probably why TOSHCAK, their coach said. "In Congo it certainly will be a different game, on the synthetic and a special atmosphere in Africa, the fact of playing at home is more important in Europe." Having coached Real Madrid twice (1989-90 and 1999) the former Gunner Liverpool is right to make comparisons. And he knows in football nothing is impossible.

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