ES Sétif Prepare for Tough Challenge in CAF Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg Against TP Mazembe
ES Sétif will travel to Lubumbashi this Sunday to face TP Mazembe in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final, holding a narrow 2-1 advantage from last Saturday’s first leg in Algeria.
The Algerian side took an important step towards the final by securing a home victory, but conceding an away goal has left coach Kheiredine Madoui cautious ahead of the return match at Kamalondo Stadium. Speaking to L’Expression, Madoui acknowledged the challenge his team faces.
“The goal we conceded is damaging,” Madoui said. “But we will try, in the return match, to show the same determination and fighting spirit with the hope of qualifying for a final that all Algerians hope for.”
Madoui was frank about the difficulty of the task, adding, “It is true that what awaits us in the return match looks very tough, but I believe it will be a great match for both teams.”
ES Sétif displayed a strong performance at home, demonstrating solid organisation and attacking threat to overcome one of Africa’s most decorated clubs. Despite conceding a late goal, the victory gave the Entente a valuable advantage heading into the high-pressure encounter in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The semi-final tie promises to be a gripping affair as TP Mazembe look to overturn the deficit in front of their passionate home crowd. The Congolese giants, famed for their dominance in African club football, will be eager to exploit the away goal they scored in the first leg to seize control of the tie.
For ES Sétif, the priority will be to maintain defensive discipline while seeking opportunities to extend their aggregate lead. Coach Madoui’s men will need resilience and tactical focus to withstand the atmosphere and intensity expected at Kamalondo Stadium.
A place in the CAF Champions League final would be a significant achievement for ES Sétif, a club with a proud history in African football. The prospect of an Algerian team competing for the continental crown has captured the imagination of supporters across the country.
As the second leg approaches, anticipation is building for a high-stakes encounter that could define the season for both clubs. Football fans across Africa will be watching closely as ES Sétif and TP Mazembe battle for a place in the showpiece final.
