African Leagues XI: TP Mazembe's Tresor Mputu Mabi Underlines His Class Again

Muteba Kidiaba (Goalkeeper - TP Mazembe - DR Congo)

He was one of the reasons TP Mazembe left the Dan Anyiam Stadium with only a 2-1 loss in the first leg of this year's CAF Champions League final at the weekend. He pulled off notable saves to deny Emeka Nwanna, Okey Nwadike and King Osanga.

Khalil Chammam (Defender - Esperance - Tunisia)

Criticised for his defensive frailty at times in the past, the technical skilled left-back has addressed that this year and seems to be adding a new dimension to his play as he has scored in two straight matches for his club. His most recent goal was a finish that would make even the most ruthless striker proud - he managed to lob ES Zarzis' goalkeeper before coolly slotting the ball home with ease into the empty net. His side, Esperance, completely dismantled their northern adversaries 7-0 to stay on top of the league. Chammam was a steady contributor to that emphatic success.

Jimmy Tau (Defender - Kaizer Chiefs - South Africa)

The former South Africa defender made a case for his return to the national side over the weekend with a fine display in his side's 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby. Fine tackling and leadership qualities allowed his team to stifle the Bucs attack, and Chiefs almost snatched all three points in the dying seconds with a strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala that hit the upright. A few game-saving tackles from Tau added to a great performance in which he marshalled the defence well.

Lucas Thwala (Defender - Orlando Pirates - South Africa)

The Soweto derby was certainly a game in which both back lines played extremely well, allowing for the first 0-0 draw in this game since 1982. On the Buccaneers' side, a great deal of credit should go to Bafana full-back Lucas Thwala. The tough defender was involved in the breakdown of many Amakhosi attacks, putting his body on the line to stop the likes of Abia Nale and Siphiwe Tshabalala. His return from injury at the beginning of the season has played an important role in his side's defensive strength and the many clean sheets registered in the early games of this campaign.

Mohamed Abou-Hadid (Midfielder - Military Production - Egypt)

Scored his newly-promoted team's third goal in a big away victory over experienced ENPPI. Production are now fifth on the table.

Joseph Bissah (Midfielder - Sekondi Hasaacas - Ghana)

The highly-rated midfielder scored his fourth goal of the season when he blasted home in the second half against champions Hearts of Oak in a 1-1 draw. He is the leading scorer in the league with four goals.

Uche Agba (Midfielder - Heartland - Nigeria)

The former Lobi Stars ace extended his fine form in front of goal in the Champions League with the winner against Mazembe on Sunday in Owerri. It was his eighth goal in the competition and it will not be long before he takes his game outside Nigeria.

King Osanga (Winger - Heartland - Nigeria)

The Nigeria youth international has found his shooting range since his recent transfer from Akwa United. He drew Heartland level after TP Mazembe took the lead in Sunday's Champions League final and was adjudged the best player for the Nigerian team.

Marouane Tej (Striker - Stade Tunisien - Tunisia)

With German scouts in the stands watching his every move during his team's goalless draw versus second-placed Club Africain, the speedy forward made a positive impression with some silky dribbles and accurate, intelligent passing. Though he did not get the goal he craved, his performance in the encounter has surely raised his stock and is a notice to all in the Tunisian league that Stade Tunisien are looking to rediscover their glory days of the 60s and 70s by relying on their talented youngsters. In Tej, the Bardo Boys happen to have a striker who may well help them finish much higher in the table than anyone expected.

Nathaniel Asamoah (Striker - All Stars FC - Ghana)

Asamoah's club registered their first win at home this season when they beat Liberty Professionals by a lone goal at the Wa Sports Stadium on Sunday. The substitute gave the home team the three points when he scored through a header in the 67th minute after he received a cross from the midfield.

Tresor Mabi Mputu (Striker - TP Mazembe - DR Congo)

Top star at the inaugural Championship of African nations (CHAN) earlier this year in the Ivory Coast, he was the thorn in the flesh of Heartland in this year's CAF Champions League final first leg. He underlined his class with a great opening goal after just 23 minutes. Besides his goal, he often confused the rock-solid opposing defence with his dribbling.

Samm Audu, Goal.com