April 26, 2024 at 9:08:19 AM
May 15, 2026 at 7:03:26 PM
🕒 2 min read
By
Author Name
Author Name
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
TP Mazembe Holds Firm Against Al Ahly in First Leg of CAF Champions League Semi-Final
During their recent encounter in Lubumbashi on Saturday, April 21, TP Mazembe managed to hold their ground against defending champions Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals. The team arrived in Cairo on Thursday, April 25, where midfielder Augustine Oladapo shared his thoughts after their training session.
Oladapo acknowledged the challenges of facing Al Ahly, noting,
"It's a very big game. We know that Al Ahly is a very strong team, but having observed their play in the first leg, we understand that the rematch in Cairo will be distinctly different. However, we are here to play football, and we believe we can secure our qualification here in Cairo."
Al Ahly, enjoying the home advantage for the upcoming second leg on Friday, April 26, remains a formidable opponent. The team boasts an impressive 19-match unbeaten streak in the Champions League. Despite the odds, TP Mazembe’s head coach, who previously led the team to a Champions League victory in 2010, remains focused on overcoming the challenges. He expressed confidence, stating,
"We are here to deliver a strong performance and keep our hopes of advancing alive. It will be difficult against a seasoned team like Al Ahly, but we are prepared."
The crucial match is scheduled to kick off at 9 PM UTC +2. The victor will proceed to the final to face either Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa or Esperance of Tunisia, with the championship game set for May 18.
RELATED ARTICLE