“It’s true we’ve played here before and we’ve been the African champions twice, but Inter has had enormous experience in large and vital encounters. It made a big difference,” the Senegalese tactician said after the game.

“They had a better approach and went two goals up very early in the game. It was very difficult for us to bounce back,” he explained.

Goran Pandev and Samuel Eto'o bagged goals in quick succession in the opening  20 minutes, leaving the African giants with a mountain to climb.

The Congolese side tried to react, especially in the second half, but Inter seemed to have things under control and were even able to add a third goal, by substitute Jonathan Biabiany.

N’Diaye also pointed to another factor that hampered his side’s performance in this final game.

 “Our game against Internacional ended with a lot of injuries for our team and this was just before this final. But Inter deserved their victory; they were better and played superbly. Congratulations to them,” TP Mazembe coach concluded.

The four-time African champions have played three games during this competition, one more than Inter Milan.