Head coach Ibrahim Tanko said his Medeama Sporting Club team still has a chance to reach the CAF Champions League group stage after a 1‑0 loss to five‑time champions TP Mazembe in the preliminary round. The DR Congo side scored in the 88th minute at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, leaving the Ghanaians disappointed but not out of the race.
Tanko acknowledged the disappointment of losing a home game but highlighted the opportunities created: "We created a lot of chances, and we could have scored some goals, but unfortunately, we couldn’t, and that’s football," he said. He added that the team pushed hard in the second half, trying to equalise when the visitors had a chance to score.
Despite the setback, Tanko remains confident: "We have a second chance next Sunday to see what will happen," he said, stressing the importance of the upcoming away fixture. Medeama will aim to reverse the tie and secure a place in the next stage of the qualifiers, keeping hopes alive of competing in the continental club competition’s group stage.
