Egypt's Ismaily wasted a penalty and failed to make the most of their numerical advantage as they lost 2-0 to DR Congo's TP Mazembe in their African Champions League group stage opener on Saturday. The Dervishes were given a golden opportunity to take the lead in Lubumbashi on the stroke of halftime when Mazembe goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo was shown a straight red card for punching striker Benson Shilongo. However, Baher El-Mohamadi's weak effort was blocked by substitute keeper Aime Bakula. The second half was dominated by Mazembe, who opened the scoring when forward Chico Ushindi headed home a corner. Kevin Mondeko doubled their lead two minutes later with another header as Mazembe ran out 2-0 winners at their fortress. Before ending Ismaily's resistance, Mazembe also spurned some clear-cut chances as they sliced open the visitors' defence far too easily. Ismaily, who are making their first Champions League appearance in eight points, are now at the bottom with no points. Mazembe, who have three points, lead second-placed CS Constantine of Algeria on goal difference after the latter beat Tunisia's Club Africain 1-0 on Friday. Ismaily were the first Egyptian side to win the old version of the Champions League in 1969. They also reached the final in 2003 when they lost to Nigeria's Enyimba. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
