Medeama SC face a daunting task in Lubumbashi on Saturday as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against five-time CAF Champions League winners TP Mazembe and secure progression to the next stage of the competition.
The Ghanaian champions travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the second leg of their preliminary-round tie after suffering a narrow defeat at the T&A Park in Tarkwa.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession and controlling large portions of the first-leg encounter in front of their home supporters, Ibrahim Tanko’s side were unable to make their dominance count before conceding a late goal.
Medeama now know exactly what is required in Lubumbashi. A two-goal victory would see them progress, while a 1-0 win would force the tie to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Medeama need goals in Lubumbashi
The first-leg result will be particularly frustrating for Medeama, who struggled to translate their possession and pressure into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
That will need to change at the Stade TP Mazembe, where the visitors must find the back of the net while remaining defensively disciplined.
Emmanuel Annor is expected to be central to Medeama’s attacking plans, with Abdul Salam, Prince Owusu and Kingsley Braye also likely to play important roles as the Ghanaian champions search for the goals needed to overturn the deficit.
At the opposite end, Fatawu Sulemana, Etse Dogli and Ebenezer Adade will have the responsibility of keeping the experienced Mazembe attack at bay.
Medeama cannot afford to concede an early goal, as another strike from the hosts would significantly increase the pressure on the Ghanaian side and leave them needing to score at least twice just to force the tie back in their favour.
Mazembe confident of finishing the job
TP Mazembe will head into the return leg with confidence after securing a valuable away victory in Tarkwa.
The Congolese giants can now complete the job in front of their home supporters and are expected to draw heavily on their vast continental experience, physical strength and familiarity with conditions in Lubumbashi.
The atmosphere inside the Stade TP Mazembe is also likely to provide the hosts with another advantage as they attempt to protect their lead and eliminate the Ghanaian champions.
For Medeama, however, the second leg presents an opportunity to respond strongly to the first-leg disappointment and prove their ability to compete against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
Ibrahim Tanko’s men will need a disciplined defensive performance, greater efficiency in front of goal and composure under pressure if they are to produce the result required to keep their CAF Champions League dream alive.
The decisive second leg will be played on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 PM local time.
