Medeama head coach Ibrahim Tanko says his team is ready to withstand the pressure and hostile atmosphere expected from TP Mazembe supporters in the decisive second leg of their CAF Champions League tie.
The Ghanaian champions head into Saturday’s return encounter in Lubumbashi needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit suffered in the first leg in Tarkwa.
The crucial fixture is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, with Medeama needing a positive result to keep their hopes of advancing to the second phase of the CAF Champions League alive.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Tanko insisted his players are mentally prepared to deal with the intense atmosphere that awaits them at the home of the five-time African champions.
“I think there is pressure in football, and I know how our supporters behave. Definitely, the boys are ready. We have watched a lot of their games, and we have seen how their fans react, so we are prepared for that,” Tanko said.
The Medeama coach believes his players must remain focused on the contest itself rather than being distracted by the home crowd.
“I don’t think we have to be afraid of the supporters. The ball is on the pitch, and it is eleven against eleven players. This is where my concentration is,” he added.
Medeama suffered a narrow defeat in the first leg despite creating opportunities and will now need a disciplined, determined and clinical performance in Lubumbashi to overturn the deficit.
With qualification at stake, Tanko will be hoping his players can remain composed under pressure and deliver the performance required to keep the Yellow and Mauve’s continental campaign alive.
