91Èȱ¬

TP Mazembe go into the second leg of the African Champions League final against USM Alger on Sunday as strong favourites to lift the trophy.

The side from DR Congo have home advantage and a 2-1 lead from the first match last weekend.

Goals by Rainford Kalaba and Mbwana Samatta have edged them towards winning the title for a fifth time.

But the Algerians have a glimmer of hope thanks to Mohamed Seguer's late goal.

The winners of the competition will also represent Africa at the Fifa Club World Cup later this year in Japan.

History favours Mazemebe, who have lost only three home matches out of 77 they have played in the competition since it began in 1965. And the last time they suffered defeat was six years ago.

In addition, USM have struggled in away matches this campaign, winning only once outside of their country. The Algerians will also be without Youcef Belaili, banned for doping, and the suspended Hocine El Orfi.

While Mazembe coach Patrice Carteron is eager to insist the tie is far from over, he has also vowed to send out his team in attacking mode.

He told 91Èȱ¬ Sport: "We have to play as though we lost the first game. We like to play beautiful football, we do not know how to play another way.

"We have to give 100% to score goals and be positive, this is the way for us to win the game and the trophy."

Mazembe will, however, be without Zambian goal-scorer Kalaba through suspension and defender Jean Kasusula, who suffered a broken arm in a scooter accident on Sunday.