2 July 2009
Nairobi — Kenya's Tusker threw away a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with home team Hey Al-Arab in a Group C match in Port Sudan late Wednesday night.
The defending champions had gone ahead through a Oscar Kadenge strike in the 21st minute before Al-Arab equalised from Hamed Abdulhamid's penalty kick in the 47th minute.
Tusker must now beat Zanzibari side Miembeni today to enhance their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals. Miembeni edged out Inter State of Burundi 2-1 on Tuesday with goals in either half from Salmi Ramadhan and Amir Hamadi to top the group. Ali Musa scored for Inter.
Tusker coach James Nandwa said prior to the tournament that his team was looking at nothing but an appearance in the final on July 13.
Also on Wednesday evening, KCC underlined their credentials as title contenders with a 3-2 thrilling win against guest team TP Mazembe at the Khartoum Stadium. The Ugandans, coached by former Cranes player George Nsimbe, started off at a cracking pace to open accounts through Tommy Okello in the 26th minute. Tony Bongole stretched the lead five minutes from half-time following confusion in the Congolese defence line.
Mazembe pulled a goal back in the fourth minute of added time in the first half when Tshizeu Kanimbo somehow wiggled his way through a forest of legs to guide his shot home from close range.
Without top striker
Substitute Kabangu Mulota latched onto a Tresor Mputa cross in the 64th to level as Mazembe threatened to run riot. The revival was however jolted when their goalkeeper, Robert Kidiaba, was sent off for a professional foul a minute later and KCC took advantage of their superior numbers, Jeremia Sebuyiva completing a swift counter move with aplomb in the 77th."We were underdogs and I expected more from Mazembe," said a satisfied Nsimbi, who is without top striker Bryan Umony who recently signed with South Africa's SPL side SuperSports United.
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