It was a first experience which would end well for the Congolese champions as they lifted the trophy in an unlikely fashion. After drawing the two legs of the final against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, Caf settled upon a one-off playoff—to be conducted in a neutral venue (Cameroon)—to decide who won the title. TPM had got their hands on African gold, albeit by default. The year after that, the new African kings were on the road to defend their title and become the first club to retain Africa’s biggest club tournament. It was an adventure which started in Ivory Coast against Africa Sports, before Oryx Douala were devoured 5-0 in the quarter-finals.