Five-time African champions TP Mazembe were held to a scoreless draw by CR Belouzidad in a Group B match of the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
The Ravens should have been ahead after seven minutes when Isaac Tsibangu broke clear on goal, but the forward was unable to beat Gaya Merhab in a one-on-one situation.
Belouzidad , meanwhile, struggled to get their attacking game going in the early stages of the first half but they did show signs of their wing threat on occasions.
Houssam Eddine Mzerigue, nearly got the opener with Belouizdad’s first chance on 25 minute but he sent his header wide from a corner.
The visitors were presented with another opening five minutes later as Bilal Trikat slipped Marcellin Koukpo through on goal, but the midfielder was unable to profit with only Ibrahim Mouknoro to beat.
Mazembe were unlucky not to enter the break a one-goal lead after Moustapha Kouyate saw his looping header crash against the crossbar with Merhab well beaten.
The Ravens came out firing at the start of the second half with Kabaso Chongo breaking through on goal four minutes after the restart, but he was superbly denied by goalkeeper Merhab.
In the 62nd minute Thomas Ulimwengu was afforded too much space and let rip with a thunderous long range effort, but saw his shot brilliantly stopped Moktar Belkhiter.
Ten minutes later substitute Koffi Kouame’s cross from the left was met by Tandi Mwape but he headed inches over the Belouizdad crossbar from ten-yards out.
Tshibangu was in the thick of the action again in the 78th minute when he turned defender Chouaib Keddad on his way to goal, but saw his close range effort magnificently saved by Merhab.
Belouizdad nearly stole victory in the dying minutes of the match when substitute Rayen Benderrouya struck the crossbar with an effort in the 88th minute and then Nessakh also hit the woodwork in the 91th minute.
Nonetheless, the match ended 0-0 and the spoils were shared.
