Despite careful preparation, sending scouts to TP Mazembe's 1-0 win over Mexican side Pachucha and the general confidence going through the Internacional camp their campaign came to a sudden and abrupt end after a shock 2-0 defeat to the Congolese side at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in the semi final of the FIFA Club World Championship.
The 2006 champions were hoping to follow the tradition of Brazilian clubs generally having the upper hand over African sides in the competition. After the TP Mazembe spent a pre-match prayer together in the goalmouth, Internacional started well. Settling quickly into their rhythm. A Rafael Sobis free kick whizzed over the bar before and two minutes later the TP Mazembe defence somehow survived when Sobis was provided with another chance. The African side played on the counter attack and Renan did well to keep out a shot from Mulota Kabangu before Tingha wasted a great chance by heading over a cross from Nei.
The 5,000 or so Internacional fans who had made the trip were left stunned eight minutes after the break when Mulota Kabangu caught the Inter defence asleep to slot home from close range. Inter went on the attack in order to save their tournament, Mazembe goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba denied both Sobis and Giuliano and with five minutes left TP Mazembe booked their place in Saturday's final when a long ball found Dioko Kaluyituka and he beat Renan to wrap things up.
It's the first time the Libertadores champions have not made the final and it's an unwanted honour for Internacional. The have the pleasure of the 3rd/4th place play-off on Saturday against the loser of the Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma FC and FC Internazionale Milano semi final tomorrow. It's going to be a very disappointing end to what has been a good year for the Porto Alegre based club.
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