TP Mazembe are set to take on Raja Casablanca this Friday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, a clash that promises intensity and high stakes for both sides. For the Congolese giants, the objective is clear: to navigate this stage carefully, aim for the final, and potentially lift the trophy, adding the elusive sixth star to their collection—their last triumph dating back to 2015 when they defeated USM Alger.
Speaking ahead of the match, Michée Mika emphasized the importance of performing at their best. “With TPM, as always in the Champions League, we want to rise to the occasion so our fans can be proud of us. It’s the first leg of the quarter-final, it’s very important, and we intend to give everything to get a very good result,” he said on the club’s official website. Mika highlighted the quality of their Moroccan opponents, noting that Raja had impressed on their path to the quarter-finals, including victories over Vita Club both at home and in Kinshasa. “They’ll do everything they can to beat us. We have to play a solid match, first in Morocco, give our all, but above all, try to replicate what we’ve been doing well lately, like in Zambia or Angola where we scored…”
Adding a personal twist to the encounter, TP Mazembe will face one of their former stars, Ben Malango Ngita, now a key figure for Raja Casablanca. Despite the narrative surrounding Malango, Mika made it clear that the focus remains on the team. “It’s a match between Raja and Mazembe, not Malango-Mazembe. On Friday, starting at 7:00 PM GMT, all people will want to see is a good game of football. The dispute between my club, Raja, and Malango doesn’t change anything… As players, we’re not involved. People can talk about this off-field aspect, it doesn’t matter. It will be a very good match where we will fight. We have what it takes to bring back a good result,” he added.
TP Mazembe will enter the fixture with confidence, buoyed by recent performances in Zambia and Angola, where they demonstrated both attacking prowess and defensive stability. The club knows the importance of securing a favorable result away from home, especially in the Moroccan stadium where Raja’s passionate supporters will create a challenging atmosphere. The Congolese side aims to approach the game with tactical discipline, solid defense, and sharp counter-attacks, ensuring they carry a competitive edge into the second leg back in Kinshasa.
For Raja Casablanca, the match represents an opportunity to confirm their form and progress further in the competition, while also showcasing the abilities of Malango against his former teammates. Yet TP Mazembe are undeterred by this subplot, focusing solely on team cohesion and execution. Friday’s match promises a thrilling battle, with both sides determined to advance and keep their Champions League ambitions alive.
