CAF Champions League Final: Heartland 2-1 TP Mazembe

Heartland of Nigeria fought back from a goal down to beat DR Congo champions TP Mazembe in this year's CAF Champions League first leg final at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday.

The visiting TP Mazembe opened the scoring after 23 minutes through star striker Mputu Mabi and a minute later, the home team drew level courtesy of youth international King Osanga.

Uche Agba netted the match winner for Heartland 10 minutes from time.

The match was played on a rainy day, which made the pitch wet and slippery.

Heartland created several chances but could not put any away before Mazembe, who were content with resolute defending, came out of their shell to draw first blood through Mabi, who turned down several offers to play abroad to win the Champions League for Mazembe.

Mazembe delivered a right pullout, which caught the Heartland defence napping for danger man Mabi to fire home a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Austin Brown for the first goal of the day.

Osanga then produced a solo goal almost immediately to the relief of the large turnout at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

It was a balanced game in the second half with the visitors looking a lot more dangerous when they attacked.

The game was heading for a draw before Agba, who has been enjoying a rich vein of form in front of goal, struck the match winner with a left-footed volley after some good team work.

The return leg of the final will be played on Saturday in Lubumbashi.

The overall winner of this year's Champions League will pocket a prize money of $1.5 million and will also feature in the FIFA Club World Cup in December in the United Arab Emirates.

Samm Audu, Goal.com