ES Sétif Prepare for Historic African Champions League Semi-Final Against TP Mazembe
ES Sétif are set to face TP Mazembe this Saturday in the first leg of the African Champions League semi-finals, with the Algerian club aiming to make history. Hosting an African Champions League semi-final is a rare occasion for ES Sétif, who will be without the support of their passionate fans as the match is set to take place behind closed doors at the May 8, 1945 Stadium.
Despite the absence of the home crowd, coach Kheir-Eddine Madoui remains confident that his team can secure a positive result against the formidable Congolese side. Speaking ahead of the match, Madoui emphasised that the closed-door setting should not be seen as a disadvantage.
“Our team has the best attack in the group stage, and we intend to rely on our offensive strength despite the relative youth of the squad,” Madoui said in an interview with FIFA. “We will count on players like Belameiri, Abdelmalek Ziaya, Sofiane Younès, and Akram Djahnit to lead our charge.”
TP Mazembe have proven to be a tough defensive unit, conceding only two goals in six matches this season. Madoui stressed the importance of focus and discipline if ES Sétif are to advance. “The players will need to be very focused to achieve a positive result,” he added.
The Algerian coach’s ambitions extend beyond just reaching the final. “My goal is to qualify for the final and then win the African championship title,” Madoui declared with confidence. Looking further ahead, he highlighted the wider significance of success in the competition.
“If we win, we will become the first team to represent Algeria in the FIFA Club World Cup. It’s a precious opportunity that motivates the players even more,” he said.
ES Sétif’s upcoming semi-final clash marks a significant moment in Algerian club football, as the team aims to etch their name in the continent’s football history and bring glory to their country.
