Mazembe seek redemption in Lubumbashi

Mazembe striker Mbwana Samatta vies with Mussab Omer of Al Merreikh

Friday Oct 02, 2015. 16:57

TP Mazembe will be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit when they host Al Merreikh in Lubumbashi on Sunday, in the return leg of their CAF Champions League semifinal tie.

Defeated 2-1 in Khartoum in the first leg following a disappointing performance, the ‘Ravens’ will be hopeful that home advantage and a crucial away goal will help them extend their continental journey in their bid for a fifth African crown.

One-goal down in Sudan at half-time after an opener from Ghanaian forward Francis Coffie just before the break, the DR Congo giants levelled matters through substitute Thomas Ulimwengu in the 75^th minute before conceding again ten minutes from time, courtesy of Bakri Babeker.

“We were poor in the first half. I was feeling like changing most of the team at the break. I should like to say that it is a lesser evil,” Mazembe coach Patrice Carteron lamented after the game.

“If we want to have a chance to qualify, we will have to raise our game this weekend.”

The much-awaited clash will also be the opportunity for Al Merreikh boss Diego Garzitto to return to Lubumbashi, six years after leading Mazembe to their third title in Africa’s foremost competition.

However, the 65-year-old will put his sentiments and emotion aside at TP Mazembe Stadium.

“At Mazembe or somewhere else, it is the same thing. We will be going for the win,” Garzitto told the media after the first leg.

“Since our second game, we always scored on the road. And we will go there to score.”

The match will kick off at Stade TP Mazembe at 15h30 CAT on Sunday 4 October 2015.