Ravens planning to make an impact in CAFCC

by Staff Reporter

Friday Oct 28, 2022. 16:00

TP Mazembe are determined to make up for their CAF Champions League disappointment by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages at the very least.

The DR Congo champions fell at the first hurdle in Africa’s elite club competition after being eliminated by Ugandan side Vipers on penalties in the second-round qualifiers.

It is a repeat of last season when the Ravens also exited the Champions League at the same stage before going on to reach the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup.

Pamphile Mihayo has been tasked with steering the club through the playoffs after Franck Dumas was sacked for his failure to get past the Venoms.

“To succeed, we need discipline. We must all work in the spirit of unity and honesty,” Mihayo said ahead of the first-leg tie against South African outfit Royal AM on November 2.

“We were not good because we failed to qualify. Let’s get down to work seriously to save the season and prepare for next season.”

Ravens defender Youssifou Atte has revealed their first target is to reach the group phase, which would restore some confidence in the squad following their recent setback.

“The group took this elimination very badly. Mazembe’s goal every season is to play the leading roles in the Champions League, but it hasn’t gone as planned,” Atte admitted.

“After the match against Vipers, the president very quickly called the whole team and gave us a frank speech. Above all, he asked us to forget what happened and focus on future games.

“Now we have to get to the group stage of the Confederation Cup. This is also the message sent by the new coach.”