Tensions have escalated on the eve of the highly anticipated Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League semi-final first leg between TP Mazembe and Al Ahly, with the Congolese club responding to accusations leveled against them by the Egyptian giants.
In a statement released ahead of Saturday’s clash, TP Mazembe’s Communications Director, Héritier Yindula, addressed the controversy surrounding Al Ahly’s complaints about their reception in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Egyptian club had reportedly raised concerns about the welcome they received upon their arrival in Lubumbashi.
Yindula vehemently denied the allegations, providing a detailed account of the hospitality extended to Al Ahly by TP Mazembe.
He stated, “Our protocol service provided Al Ahly with ample transportation, including a large 50-passenger bus, a 35-seater bus, and a jeep. We even exceeded the regulations stipulated by CAF.”
Furthermore, Yindula emphasized that TP Mazembe’s protocol team made significant efforts to ensure the smooth arrival and accommodation of the Al Ahly delegation.
He refuted claims of poor accommodation, stating that Al Ahly had selected their own hotel in accordance with CAF regulations and that other teams, including Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids, had previously stayed at the same hotel without issue.
The communications director dismissed the allegations as “a real, blatant lie,” asserting that Al Ahly’s complaints were unfounded and unjustified.
As tensions mount ahead of the semi-final showdown, TP Mazembe remains focused on their preparations for the crucial encounter.
The last meeting between the two sides saw TP Mazembe emerge victorious with a 2-0 win on home turf during the 2012-2013 campaign. However, Al Ahly secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg on their home soil.
With both teams eager to secure a favorable result in the first leg of the semi-final, Saturday’s clash promises to be a fiercely contested encounter as TP Mazembe and Al Ahly vie for a coveted spot in the CAF Champions League final.
Historique. Iconique. Un éternel héritage.
Seize titres de #TotalEnergiesCAFCL au total entre @TPMazembe & @AlAhly ! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nHS1k7Sps2
— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC_fr) April 16, 2024
