TP Mazembe – Mihayo: “We have the arguments to deter Mohamed V”

Two of the four quarter-final fixtures in the CAF Champions League are set for this Friday, featuring Zamalek versus Espérance de Tunis and Raja Casablanca against TP Mazembe. Both matches promise high drama, as the continent’s elite clubs vie for a place in the semi-finals, with stakes heightened by recent histories and strong performances in the group stage.

The clash between Raja Casablanca, known as the “Green Eagles,” and TP Mazembe, the “Ravens,” is particularly compelling. TP Mazembe, champions of Africa in 1967, 1968, 2009, 2010, and 2015, enter the contest with the best record from the group stage, while Raja, runners-up in their group, have impressed as one of the strongest second-place qualifiers. The matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams bringing experience, talent, and tactical discipline to the field.

A notable subplot in this encounter is the reunion of TP Mazembe with former striker Ben Malango, who departed the Moroccan side under contentious circumstances last summer. His return adds both motivation and tension, as Raja will aim to contain a player familiar with their tactics, while TP Mazembe will hope to exploit his knowledge of the Moroccan team. The stakes are high for both sides, as a positive result in the first leg will be critical in shaping the path to the semi-finals.

Raja Casablanca enters the match with confidence, having already defeated AS Vita Club of Kinshasa twice during the group stage, including both encounters 1-0. These victories demonstrate the Moroccan side’s ability to compete with top Congolese teams and provide a psychological edge heading into the first leg. Their attacking balance, combined with key players returning from injury, positions them as a formidable opponent on home soil at Stade Mohamed V.

TP Mazembe coach Pamphile Mihayo has stressed the importance of the match and the need for focus in Casablanca. “In Casablanca, we’re not here for a stroll. We have no other option than a result that puts us on the path to qualification. Raja is a very good team, capable of causing us serious problems, but we will rely on our strengths to stop them. We have quality in our game and the individual talent to achieve this. In a packed and roaring Stade Mohamed V, we are not afraid to play; that will be an extra motivation for us,” Mihayo said. His comments reflect both respect for Raja’s quality and confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge.

The first-leg encounter will be crucial for both clubs. Raja aims to capitalize on home advantage and take a decisive lead, while TP Mazembe will look to maintain composure and extract a positive result despite playing away. The outcome will set the tone for the return leg in Lubumbashi, with both teams aware that early momentum could prove decisive in determining which club advances to the semi-finals.