The side from the Democratic Republic of Congo prevailed through fine second-half strikes by Mulota Kabangu and Dioko Kaluyituka to become the first team from outside Europe and South America to reach the tournament's final.

Having already seen off Mexicans Pachuca in the quarterfinals, they will now face either European champions Inter Milan or Asian Champions League holders Seongnam Ilhwa of South Korea in Sunday's decider.

South American champions Internacional, from the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, were bidding to become the first team to win the competition twice, having already tasted success in 2006.

They were, however, routinely frustrated by TP Mazembe goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba, whose brilliance played a decisive role in one of the most famous results in his club's history.

Inter's technical qualities were apparent from kick off and their inventive approach play saw them procure a number of early opportunities.

Rafael Sobis twice shot off target before being denied by a brilliant save from Kidiaba, who plunged to his left to deny the former Real Betis forward as he took aim from 10 yards.

Inter defender Indio went close with a header that flashed across the face of goal, while precise crosses from right back Nei set up first Tinga and then Matias, neither of whom were able to find the target.

The second half was eight minutes old when Kabangu made the breakthrough, skillfully taming the ball inside the Inter box and then steering a half volley inside the right-hand post with his right instep.

Sobis spurned two chances to equalize for Inter, drawing a smart reaction save from Kidiaba with a swerving strike and then heading over from Andres D'Alessandro's left wing center.

Inter coach Celso Roth made two changes in a bid to force a way back into the contest and saw substitute Giuliano bring another splendid stop from Kidiaba with a left foot effort in the 69th minute.

As the Brazilians pressed forward, TP Mazembe hit them with a sucker punch in the 85th minute.

Kaluyituka picked up the ball wide on the left and bamboozled Pablo Guinazu with a series of step overs before cracking a low drive into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa is hoping for a miracle against Inter Milan in Wednesday's Club World Cup semifinal at Zayed Sports City (17000 GMT).

"Tomorrow our chances are 30 to 40 percent, Inter 60 to 70, but a miracle comes from one percent so that's a lot compared to 30 or 30," the Asian champions' coach Shin Tae-yong told a news conference on Tuesday.

Shin's opposite number Rafael Benitez exuded a calm at odds with reports before Inter left Italy for the United Arab Emirates that his job hinged on his team winning the tournament.

"I'm tranquil, content and have confidence," said Benitez, under fire after mixed results in his first season in charge of the European champions.

"The good spirit has always been there in the group, even in the most difficult times." Club president Massimo Moratti suggested last week that Benitez's job depended on Inter's results in the tournament although he has since toned down his stance.

Striker Diego Milito, who has been injured and failed to find the form that brought him Inter's treble-winning goals last season, echoed Benitez's sentiments when he said: "I'm fine, raring to go.

"I'll do whatever I can so we win. If I get to score so much the better but the main thing is to win," added the Argentine, whose goals clinched the Serie A title, Copa Italia and Champions League at the end of last season for the team then coached by Jose Mourinho.

Benitez said Seongnam were a well-organized team who work well off the ball and are good with it when in possession.

Shin said his team could not compete with Inter's talented players on an individual basis so teamwork was paramount.

"We are at a disadvantage one-on-one. The only way we can compete is united with at least two players covering (the likes of Samuel) Eto'o, Milito or (Wesley) Sneijder," he said.

"I can't see the weaknesses in Inter but there is no such thing as a team without problem areas so we are trying to identify them." Impressive central midfielder Cheon Kwang-jin was injured near the end of the first half of Seongnam's 4-1 win over hosts Al-Wahda in their quarterfinal but Shin hopes he will recover for the match.