CAF Champions League: ES Sétif Hold Slim Advantage Ahead of Crucial Second Leg Against TP Mazembe
By BBC News Staff
ES Sétif secured a narrow 2-1 victory over TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final, played last Saturday in Sétif, Algeria. The result gives the Algerian side a slight edge as they prepare for a decisive return fixture in Lubumbashi next Sunday.
The hard-fought win at home has left the Sétif camp quietly confident. Club president M. Hemmar expressed optimism about his team’s prospects of reaching the final, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
“We have a good chance in this return match,” Hemmar told reporters. “The players are aware of the task ahead of them. I remain optimistic, especially as we are expecting the return of some key players like [Adel] Zerara and [El Hedi Belameiri] Amokrane. Unfortunately, [Farid] Demmou will still be unavailable.”
Sétif’s performance in the first leg was marked by resilience and efficiency, as they capitalised on home advantage to edge past a strong Mazembe side known for their continental pedigree. The away goal conceded, however, means the tie remains finely balanced going into the second leg.
TP Mazembe, five-time African champions, are expected to come out strong in front of their home fans in Lubumbashi, where they have built a formidable reputation. Sétif, on the other hand, will need a disciplined and tactically astute performance to preserve their aggregate lead or find the crucial away goal that could tilt the balance further in their favour.
The return of injured players could play a decisive role for the Algerian champions, whose depth will be tested in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
With a place in the CAF Champions League final on the line, all eyes will be on Lubumbashi this weekend as two of Africa’s footballing powerhouses battle for continental supremacy.
Reporting by BBC News.
