CAF Confederation Cup favourites TP Mazembe made a satisfying start to Group B this weekend with a 1-1 draw at Entente Setif.

The star-studded side from the Democratic Republic of Congo went ahead nine minutes from time in western Algeria through Tanzania midfielder Mbwana Samata.

But the response from 1988 African champions Setif was swift and decisive as Mourad Delhoum levelled within two minutes at the May 8 Stadium.

A draw was a fair reflection of the opening group match in the second-tier CAF club competition won last year by AC Leopards from Congo-Brazzaville.

With Leopards competing in the richer, more prestigious CAF Champions League this year, Mazembe are favoured to keep the trophy in central Africa.

Mazembe were unlucky midway through the opening half when Zambia midfielder Nathan Sinkala rattled the woodwork after a corner.

The post also foiled Setif during a lively opening half with midfielder Amir Karaoui seeing a long-range attempt rebound into play.

Gladson Awako, one of several Ghanaian imports at Mazembe, fluffed a good early second half chance with only goalkeeper Sofiane Khadaira to beat.

Mazembe have won seven CAF titles, including the Champions League four times, making them the fourth most successful club trophy collectors.

Only Al-Ahly (16 titles) and Zamalek (9) of Egypt, and Etoile Sahel (8) of Tunisia boast better records than the 'Ravens' from mining city Lubumbashi.

While the core of the squad is Congolese, Mazembe have also hired stars from Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

But a shock mid-year loss to Orlando Pirates in a Champions League qualifier meant the 'Ravens' were demoted to the Confederation Cup.

It also triggered coaching changes with Senegalese Lamine Ndiaye redeployed as technical director and his job going to Patrice Carteron.

The Frenchman made an immediate impact when he moved to Africa, taking Mali to third place at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Neither FUS Rabat of Morocco nor CA Bizertin of Tunisia could take advantage of the Setif stalemate as they also drew 1-1 in the Moroccan capital.

Shock 2010 Confederation Cup winners FUS dominated the opening half only for Abdessalam Ben Jelloun to squander three scoring chances.

Bizertin remained on the back foot until 19-year-old striker Adem Rjaibi put the visitors ahead on 74 minutes at the Moulay Abdallah sports complex.

FUS fought back and deservedly equalised six minutes from time through defender Zouhair Feddal.

Omond Okury scored early and Fitsum Gebremariam late to give Saint George of Ethiopia a 2-0 Group A victory over Stade Malien of Mali in Addis Ababa.

It was an impressive start by the 'Saints', group-stage debutants and the only one of the eight title contenders not to have lifted a CAF trophy.

A late Sunday Tunisian derby between former Confederation Cup title-holders CS Sfaxien and Etoile Sahel completes the first series of matches.