TP Mazembe head coach Slimane Raho has insisted that their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Medeama Sporting Club remains undecided despite securing a crucial first-leg victory in Ghana.
The DR Congo giants claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Medeama at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa on Sunday, with a late goal giving them the advantage ahead of the return fixture in Lubumbashi.
Despite the important result away from home, Raho has urged his players to remain focused, stressing that Medeama’s quality means the tie is still open.
The Mazembe boss praised the Ghanaian champions for their performance, admitting that the Mauves and Yellows gave his team a difficult challenge.
“Medeama SC is a very good team, a very, very good team. I felt it in the game. We (TP Mazembe) would have to confirm qualification in Lubumbashi,” Raho said after the match.
Raho believes his team’s success in the first leg was built on determination, discipline and smart decision-making, qualities he expects them to maintain when both sides meet again.
“It’s about courage and being intelligent, and that is what we showed today. We will show more of this in the return leg,” he added.
The result gives TP Mazembe a slight advantage heading into the second leg, but Medeama remain confident of overturning the deficit and keeping their Champions League dream alive.
The Ghanaian champions will travel to Lubumbashi knowing they need a strong performance against one of Africa’s most experienced clubs if they are to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Medeama are aiming to secure another appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, while Mazembe continue their quest to reclaim their status among Africa’s elite clubs.
