TP Mazembe Communications Chief Jantis Mutombo says the Congolese giants are fully prepared for their CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg clash against Medeama SC, insisting that his side will not be overwhelmed by the Mauve and Yellow’s home advantage.
The Baba Boys will begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign away from home on Sunday when they face Ghanaian champions at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa in the first leg of the preliminary round.
Ahead of the crucial encounter, Mutombo said the long journey from Accra to Tarkwa had not affected the team, with the players quickly settling in and turning their attention to Sunday’s crucial encounter.
“We had a long journey from Accra, but the boys looked ready when we arrived in Tarkwa. Our focus has been on this game because it sets the tone for qualification to the next stage,” he told Sporty FM.
Although the Baba boys have faced Medeama previously, Mutombo believes the upcoming tie presents a different challenge, particularly with changes made to the Mauve and Yellow squad.
“We have played Medeama earlier, but this is a different side, and they have made changes. TP Mazembe understands the African level, and we are here to compete,” he added.
With the Ghana Premier League champions expected to enjoy strong home support at the TNA Stadium, Mutombo insists the visitors will not be distracted by the atmosphere, drawing on their experience of playing in intimidating African venues
“Our focus is on the playing body and their coaches, and not the fans. We have played in difficult venues like Esperance, Zamalek, Ahly, so we know the game is on the pitch, and that’s where our preparations have been centred on,” he stated.
TP Mazembe will look to draw on their continental experience when they face the Ghanaian champions.
Medeama, meanwhile, will look to set the tone for the continental action this weekend against their Congolese visitors, having won the 26/27 Champion of Champions against Nations FC.
Both sides are seeking an advantage in the first leg of the preliminary round to set the tone for the return fixture in Lubumbashi a week later.
