**El Merreikh Host TP Mazembe in CAF Champions League Semi-Final First Leg**
Sudanese giants El Merreikh are set to welcome Congolese powerhouse TP Mazembe this Saturday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final, a highly anticipated clash in Khartoum.
For El Merreikh’s coach Diego Garzitto, the match carries special significance. The Franco-Italian manager, who led TP Mazembe to continental glory during his previous tenure, has been waiting five years for a reunion with his former club. Now, back at the helm of El Merreikh, Garzitto is determined to make the encounter a memorable one — promising to “bring hell” to the Lubumbashi side.
Garzitto expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to cause an upset at home. “Victory. By one or two goals. If we score three, it will be perfect,” he said in remarks shared by the CAF official website. “In any case, we will play resolutely attacking football as we usually do in Omdurman.”
The coach highlighted his attacking options, including Bakri Al-Madinah, Ivorian Didier Lebri, and Ghanaian Francis Koffi — all capable of scoring at any moment. “We have the men for it up front,” Garzitto added.
El Merreikh’s strong home form this season has bolstered their confidence. Apart from a 2-0 defeat in the preliminary round, the club has not lost by more than a goal and remains unbeaten in six home matches this campaign. “The player thinks differently now and works primarily for the team,” Garzitto explained. “And then there is our fantastic public who support us every time we play.”
With a revamped playing style and the backing of passionate fans, El Merreikh aim to take a significant advantage into the second leg.
TP Mazembe, led by President Moïse Katumbi’s protégés, remain one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, boasting multiple CAF Champions League titles. The semi-final promises to be a thrilling tactical battle between two sides hungry for continental success.
Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday in Khartoum, where El Merreikh will look to exploit home advantage and edge closer to the final.
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