Ghanaian champions Medeama SC have travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg against TP Mazembe on Saturday.
The Yellow and Mauves left Ghana on Tuesday evening for Lubumbashi, where they will attempt to overturn a narrow first-leg defeat and keep their hopes of progressing in Africa’s premier club competition alive.
Medeama face a difficult task after TP Mazembe secured the advantage in the opening match at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa on Sunday.
The first leg was closely fought, but the visitors found a late breakthrough to claim victory and leave Medeama needing to win in Lubumbashi if they are to advance.
The return fixture will take place on Saturday, 12 September, with Medeama expected to use the days before the match to prepare for the demanding away assignment.
The Ghanaian champions’ departure comes after they made a courtesy visit to Ghana President John Dramani Mahama before travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Mahama wished the team well ahead of their continental campaign and offered financial support towards their journey.
He donated US$30,000 to Medeama to assist with the club’s trip for the Champions League fixture.
Medeama confirmed the meeting and expressed appreciation for the President’s support ahead of what could be one of the most important matches of their season.
The club said: “The President extended his best wishes to the team and wished us success in our upcoming CAF CL assignment. As a show of support and encouragement, H.E. John Dramani Mahama also made a generous donation of US$30,000 towards the teams trip.”
The financial backing comes as Medeama prepare for the challenge of facing one of the continent’s established clubs on their own ground.
Their immediate objective will be to recover from the first-leg setback and produce the performance required to overturn the deficit.
Medeama had home advantage in the opening encounter but were unable to secure a positive result after TP Mazembe struck late in Tarkwa.
That result means the Ghanaian side must now find a way to score in Lubumbashi while also preventing their opponents from extending their advantage.
The trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo has therefore taken on added importance for Medeama, who are seeking to continue their journey in the CAF Champions League.
The club’s early departure from Ghana is intended to give the squad enough time to settle in Lubumbashi and prepare for Saturday’s decisive encounter.
With the tie still within reach, Medeama will need to produce a strong away display against TP Mazembe if they are to progress.
The first-leg result leaves little room for error, with the Ghanaian champions now required to respond to the late setback suffered at home.
The players and technical team will have several days in the DR Congo to focus on the task ahead before the second leg.
President Mahama’s support has also provided a boost to the club as it prepares for the continental assignment.
Medeama’s meeting with the President was held before the team’s departure, with the Ghanaian leader offering his best wishes and financial assistance for the trip.
The club will now turn its full attention to the return fixture, knowing that Saturday’s result will determine whether it can continue in the CAF Champions League.
After losing narrowly at home, Medeama must produce a result in Lubumbashi to keep their continental ambitions alive.
The Yellow and Mauves will therefore arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo with a clear mission: overturn TP Mazembe’s first-leg advantage and secure progress to the next stage of the competition.
