TP Mazembe are fired up and focused as they prepare to host ES Sétif this Sunday in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final, trailing 2-1 from the first leg. The Congolese giants know exactly what’s at stake — and coach Patrice Carteron has left no doubt about his ambition: Mazembe must reach the final, no matter the cost.
Carteron’s Tactical Analysis:
The Frenchman was direct in his assessment of ES Sétif’s style:
“Entente Sportive Sétifienne is a team that struggles to play the game and is more comfortable on the counterattack… with a consistent defensive block.”
Mazembe, on the other hand, dominated possession in Algeria (up to 70%) and created numerous chances. For Carteron, the key this Sunday lies in:
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Maintaining and increasing ball possession
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Being more clinical in both penalty areas
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Avoiding lapses in concentration, especially after scoring
Physical Readiness & Mental Strength:
Carteron acknowledged that the international break impacted the squad’s fitness:
“We paid, in my opinion, for the week of international matches… players came back in a lamentable state.”
But now, with a full week of preparation, he believes his team is physically ready and mentally recharged.
Message to the Team:
“We even have to die on the pitch on Sunday. We must qualify and offer our fans this final… We must rely only on our strengths, and we have plenty of them.”
TP Mazembe will need just a 1-0 win to go through on away goals — a realistic objective, especially at home where they are traditionally dominant. But ES Sétif is known for its defensive discipline and effectiveness on the counter — this won’t be a walkover.
All eyes on Lubumbashi — this semi-final promises intensity, strategy, and high drama.
