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TP Mazembe coach, Lamine N’Diaye has admitted that his team were not at the usual best in their Orange CAF Super Cup triumph over FUS Rabat of Morocco on Saturday in Lubumbashi.

Les Corbeaux emerged victors 9-8 on penalties after regulation time to join the likes of Nigeria’s Enyimba and Al-Ahly of Egypt as the only clubs to have successfully defended the title, but N’Diaye has revealed his side were ordinary.

“We resumed training two weeks ago and are yet to discover our rhythm. Our opponents were also very tough."

The Senegalese-born coach added that his players appeared worn-out after a busy outing last year and it affected their game.

“My players were tired. If I could make 10 changes, I would have. Also, there were three or four players set to join other clubs, and were not ready mentally. It is hard to prepare for a match in such conditions.”

FUS Rabat coach Houcine Ammouta was pleased with his side’s output against the reigning continental champions.

“To manage a draw in Lubumbashhi against the holders, finalist of the FIFA World Club Cup is a great feat. The team was very disciplined and relaxed.

“We knew it would be difficult when three key players have just left for Europe ahead of the game. Losing on penalties is always disappointing but I think we have come a long way from playing in the second division, to winning the Throne Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.

“I am proud of my team and their achievement and I congratulate Mazembe as well on their feat,” Ammouta concluded.