Adu urges Medeama to build CAF Champions League lead over Mazembe

Bibiani GoldStars chief executive Kwasi Adu says Medeama must secure a convincing home victory against TP Mazembe if they are to advance in the CAF Champions League. He believes the Ghanaian champions need a sizeable advantage before travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the second leg.

Medeama will welcome Mazembe to the renovated TNA Stadium in Tarkwa on September 5. The return fixture is scheduled for seven days later in Lubumbashi, where the Ghanaian side will face the pressure of Mazembe’s home venue.

Adu’s advice is for Medeama to make the first match count by scoring several goals. In his view, a narrow home result would leave the tie too open before the trip, while a strong margin would give the Ghanaian club greater control of the contest.

He also believes Medeama have enough quality to compete with Mazembe, provided they approach the tie with confidence. Adu warned against being intimidated by the Congolese club’s reputation and said both teams deserve to be judged as league champions that must compete directly on the field.

Medeama and Mazembe have met before in the CAF Confederation Cup. In 2016, Medeama won the Ghana leg 3-2, but Mazembe overturned that advantage with a 3-1 victory in the return match. The previous tie highlights the importance of building a substantial lead before Medeama travel to Lubumbashi.

For Medeama, the first leg is therefore more than an opportunity to use home advantage. Adu’s assessment is that their progress will depend on turning that advantage into goals, then protecting their position in the second match. The two-leg contest will begin in Tarkwa before its outcome is settled in Lubumbashi.