In an intense match, the visitors' Aimen Mahious found the back of the net in the 32nd minute, followed by Ismal Merili in the 84th minute. However, Fiston Mayele managed to score a consolation goal for the hosts in the 82nd minute, causing a momentary upset for the crowd that had packed Dar-es-Salaam Stadium.

Since the morning, thousands of fans had flocked to the stadium, with hundreds even lingering outside the perimeters after failing to secure a spot in the stands. Their hopes were pinned on their team, longing for a long-awaited trophy for their nation.

However, the dream now appears to be fading, as they can only cling to the hope of a miraculous comeback in the return leg, set to take place in Algiers on Saturday, 3 June.

USMA, also on a quest for their maiden continental glory, came agonizingly close eight years ago when they finished as runners-up in the Champions League. In a two-legged decider against TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo, USMA suffered defeat both at home and away.

One thing is certain: June 3 will witness the making of history.

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