TP Mazembe booked their place at the semis in grand style courtesy a 3-1 thrashing of Al Hilal of Sudan on Sunday in Lubumbashi.

Zambia-import Rainford Kalaba, Solomon Asante and Malian Adama Traore scored a goal each to power ‘Les Corbeaux’ into the last four, and effectively dashing the hopes of the Omdurman-based club with a game to spare.

Mazembe have 10 points whilst Hilal remain at the foot of the standings of Group A with four points. The group’s other slot for the semis is likely to be decided later in the day between Egyptian giants, Zamalek and AS Vita of DR Congo, who faceoff in Alexandria.

Cheered on by a packed crowd, Mazembe scored the opener on 27 minutes through Kalaba, who ghosted past his markers to connect home Asante’s cross from a free-kick.

The Sudanese resumed very well but were denied by captain Joel Kimwaki four minutes into the half, heading out Mudathir ‘Careca’ El-Taieb’s goal-bound shot.

Five minutes later, Bakri Al-Madina fumbled with the best chance shooting wide on a one-on-one with Mazembe goalie Muteba Kidiaba.

On 60 minutes, Asante capitalized on a blunder by Hilal goalie Jumaa Genaro, firing into the yawing net, after the ball slipped through his hands, to double the lead.

Traore made his presence felt few minutes after coming on with the third goal on 76 minutes, with a half volley that met Thomas Ulimwengu’s cross.