TP Mazembe will look to seal their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League this Saturday when they host Simba Sports Club at the Kamalondo Stadium. After a hard-fought first leg in Dar es Salaam, which ended in a goalless draw, the Congolese giants now return home determined to secure the result that will see them progress to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
The Black Ravens, as TP Mazembe are affectionately known, are counting on the support of their passionate home crowd to lift the team and help overcome the Tanzanian side, who are making their debut at this advanced stage of the tournament. While Simba demonstrated resilience and composure in the first leg, Mazembe’s experience and familiarity with high-pressure matches are expected to give them an edge.
Speaking ahead of the second leg, coach Pamphile Mihayo reflected on both last season’s disappointments and the lessons learned. “All the journalists are talking about last season’s defeat against Primeiro,” Mihayo said in an interview with the club’s official website. “It’s normal to bring it up, but let’s stay positive. It’s an elimination I’ve put behind me. It helped us prepare for this season as best we can and find a solid defensive unit.”
Mihayo emphasized that TP Mazembe will approach the match with a balanced strategy, blending offensive ambition with defensive caution. “We’ll be fully committed offensively while avoiding being caught on the counter-attack. In Dar es Salaam, we lacked precision in front of goal. We made some poor decisions. Since our return, we’ve worked hard on our finishing, and with great hope, it will pay off,” he added. The coach’s words underline the importance of converting possession and creating clear-cut chances, a factor that will likely decide the tie.
On motivation, Mihayo stated that the team’s drive is already natural, eliminating the need for extensive pre-match speeches. “I don’t need to give a speech to the players. The motivation is natural; the players know what to do. I can only gather them for prayer before coming to the stadium. This pre-match briefing is pointless; even the most dedicated fan knows we need to score more than Simba to qualify,” he explained. He highlighted the crucial role of the fans, adding, “If we manage to play well offensively and get our fans behind us, qualification is guaranteed.”
Mihayo also made a public appeal for support, urging fans across the country to rally behind TP Mazembe. “I ask the public and the sports fans to support Mazembe. This is a matter of national importance this Saturday,” he said, framing the match not just as a club fixture, but as an event with national pride at stake.
With their home advantage, experience in continental competitions, and a squad motivated to correct past errors, TP Mazembe enter this decisive fixture as strong favorites. Simba SC, however, remain dangerous and will look to exploit any defensive lapses to try and force a historic upset. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter, with both teams aware that the outcome will determine who continues their journey in the CAF Champions League.
