DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Oct 22 – Congolese giants TP Mazembe will play host to Tunisia’s Esperance in the third quarter final of the African Football League (AFL) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Mazembe are playing their home matches in Dar es Salaam, after failing to get necessary approvals back in Lubumbashi but they will charge themselves up with the local Congolese community in Dar vowing to drum them up for a good start.
Head coach Lamine N’Diaye says they are not deterred despite not playing at home, and will give a good account of themselves to get a win.
“Esperance is a tough team and they showed that by reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. Whenever we meet, it is always a big game and we are ready for an epic game. We are determined to take a good result for an easier match in the second leg,” said the Senegalese coach.
Meanwhile, Esperance head coach Tarek Thabet believes it will not be an easy duel when the team takes to the pitch against the Ravens.
Thabet says Mazembe have shown they are an improved lot, and with a lot of history in continental football, they will not be pushovers.
“We have prepared very well and ready for the challenge. We know it is not going to be easy because we are playing against a very good team. Mazembe has a lot of experience and we are also facing a team that is improving a lot,” the tactician said.
He added; “All my players are ready and we will fight to get a positive result from the game.”
The last time these two sides met was in the 2018-19 CAF Champions League season, when Esperance won 2-1 on aggregate to edge out Mazembe in the semi-finals.
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