Mezembe aim to scale greater heights

TP Mezembe coach Lamine N’Diaye was pleased but not contented after Friday’s 1-0 win over Pachuca at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The African champions upset their Mexican opponents in the quarter-final, despite going down to 10 men in the 81st minute on Zambian midfielder Stoppila Sunzu’s second caution.

Mbenza Bedi scored what would prove to be a 21st-minute winner for the club from DR Congo, setting up a tantalising semi-final clash with Copa Sudamericana champions Internacional on Tuesday.

The Brazilian outfit are widely predicted to meet Italian treble-winning giants Inter Milan in the final, and N’Diaye was frank in his assessment of the challenge facing his side.

“Each time you pass a peak, the mountain becomes higher,” N’Diaye told reporters following the match.

“So, to use a cycling term, this was a first category col. Now we’re going to attack a major climb. (Internacional) are a dimension above.”

“Having studied Pachuca, our plan worked, but I am looking forward to my team playing better.”

“Our aim now is to develop and to play better in the coming games. We won tonight’s match due to the bravery and courage of our team, but technically we could have been better.”

“Internacional are a strong team and we are looking forward to playing them. We will work hard and give our best to try to win.”

Pachuca coach Pablo Marini said his side dominated for at least two-thirds of the match but failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Asked if the result was a ‘disaster’ for Pachuca, Marini said: “Obviously, yes. We knew about Mazembe’s strengths but we didn’t expect to lose.”

“I think the way the match went, we shouldn’t have lost. But, unfortunately, we made a mistake with the goal and did not have the calm to put away our chances.”