Belouizdad victims of theft as they hold Mazembe in DR Congo

Players and officials from CR Belouizdad of Algeria had items stolen from their changing room while they forced a 0-0 CAF Champions League draw against TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday.

A spokesman for the north African club told reporters that mobile phones were among the items taken during the Group B first round match in southern Congolese city Lubumbashi.

Five-time African champions Mazembe were expected to make a winning start at home given their vast international experience, but they could not unlock a brilliant Belouizdad defence.

The Congolese had chances right to the end with an overhit stoppage-time free-kick that was grasped by goalkeeper Gaya Merbah summing up a disappointing outing for the hosts.

While Mazembe bossed possession and territory, Belouizdad also had chances and a poor first touch let down Youcef Bechou when he was well placed to score soon after half-time.

The frustration of Mazembe coach Pamphile Mihayo with his attack showed after 52 minutes when he took off Tanzanian Thomas Ulimwengu, who had scored three times in a two-leg qualifier.

In the same section, Kermit Erasmus scored in the final minute of regular time to seal a 2-0 win for Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa over Al Hilal of Sudan in Pretoria.

Read AlsoWhy Enyimba could not go far in CAF Champions League – Nwaneri

Esperance of Tunisia went to the top of Group D by coming from behind to edge group debutants Teungueth of Senegal 2-1 in Tunis with Ghana-born Basit Abdul Khalid bagging the decisive goal.