TP Mazembe will head into Sunday’s CAF Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Stade Malien with a slight advantage and a clear objective: qualify for the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
First Leg Recap:
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Final score: Stade Malien 2–2 TP Mazembe (Bamako)
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Mazembe goals:
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Cheïbane Traoré (27′)
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Daniel Adjei (51′)
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Both assisted by Rainford Kalaba
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Stade Malien response:
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Ismaël Koné scored a quick-fire brace (74′ and 76′) to salvage a draw
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Mazembe had led comfortably until the final 20 minutes but conceded two quick goals, leaving the tie open but still in their favor heading into the second leg in Lubumbashi.
Coach Patrice Carteron (TP Mazembe):
“The spirit is good and the players are feeling better and better physically. It’s motivating and gives us confidence. We didn’t want to risk Salif Coulibaly and Roger Assale, but they’ll be 100% ready for Sunday.”
Carteron is clearly managing his squad wisely, especially considering TPM’s demanding schedule with matches every three days. With home advantage, fully fit key players, and a formidable continental pedigree, Mazembe are clear favorites.
Second Leg Details:
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📍 Stadium: Stade TP Mazembe, Lubumbashi
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🕒 Kickoff: Sunday at 15:30 local time
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🧑⚖️ Referee: Janny Sikazwe (Zambia), assisted by Bruno Tembo and Amos Nanga Chalwe
Mazembe’s Edge:
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Home crowd support
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Experience at this level
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Fit returnees (Coulibaly, Assale)
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Positive mentality despite the first-leg setback
But Beware:
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Stade Malien has shown resilience and offensive threat
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The away goals rule may still apply if Stade Malien can score
With the match finely poised, TP Mazembe will need to avoid complacency and stay defensively solid while looking to capitalize on their attacking strength. If successful, they will join Africa’s elite in the CAF Champions League group stage.
