Medeama SC head to Lubumbashi on Saturday knowing they have little room for error as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League First Preliminary Round.
The Ghanaian champions will face TP Mazembe at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on September 12, with their continental campaign hanging in the balance.
TP Mazembe claimed a narrow advantage in the opening leg at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa last Sunday when substitute Lise Ntumba Nyembo struck in the 87th minute following a quick counter-attack.
Medeama had opportunities to score but were unable to convert them. Dominic Amponsah was denied by a superb save from goalkeeper Marc Diouf, while Emmanuel Annor also saw his close-range effort kept out.
At the other end, Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei produced an outstanding save before halftime to prevent Josue Kazema from extending Mazembe’s lead.
With the second leg approaching, Medeama know exactly what is needed. A win by two clear goals will send them through to the next round, while a one-goal victory would level the aggregate score and force the tie into a penalty shootout.
A draw or defeat, meanwhile, would see TP Mazembe advance.
The Congolese giants will take confidence from their first-leg victory and the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters. Medeama, however, remain very much alive in the tie and will believe a strong performance can turn the contest around.
The Tarkwa-based side will need to be sharper in front of goal while remaining disciplined defensively against a Mazembe team capable of punishing mistakes.
It is a one-goal deficit, but the stakes could not be higher. Medeama now have 90 minutes in Lubumbashi to keep their CAF Champions League dream alive.
