Cairo, Egypt – DR Congo’s football club TP Mazembe is poised to challenge the reigning CAF Champions League titleholders Al Ahly, aiming to overturn their fortunes in the crucial second leg of the semi-final set for Friday, April 26.
The match is anticipated to be a pivotal encounter, with Al Ahly holding the home advantage and an unbeaten streak in 19 CAF Champions League matches.
The first leg, which took place in Lubumbashi on Saturday, April 21, saw TP Mazembe held in check, setting the stage for an intense rematch in Cairo. Midfielder Augustine Oladapo shared his thoughts post-training session, highlighting the team’s readiness and determination.
“It’s a very big game. We know that Al Ahly is a very big team but we saw them in Lubumbashi, the way they play. We know it’s going to be a very different game in Cairo. But I think we are not scared, we are here to play football and we believe we will qualify here in Cairo.”
TP Mazembe’s coach, who previously led the team to a CAF Champions League victory in 2010, expressed a robust focus on the upcoming match.
“We are here to play a good match and maintain our chances of qualifying and it will be tough. The Al-Ahly team has great players with a lot of experience. We are ready for this, and I would like to stress once again that a football match will remain a football match,” he stated.
The upcoming game in Cairo, kicking off at 9 pm UTC +2, promises to be a thrilling contest between two of Africa’s footballing giants.
The winner of this semi-final will go on to face either South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns or Tunisian side Esperance in the final, scheduled to start on May 18th. This semi-final encounter is not just a battle for a spot in the final but also a testament to the high stakes and fierce competitiveness in African club football.