TP Mazembe coach, Patrice Carteron is looking forward to this weekend’s Orange CAF Confederation Cup final first leg against Tunisian side, CS Sfaxien, but with cautious mind.
The DR Congo champions will play as guests of their hosts on Saturday, November 23 in Rades, located on the south-east of the Tunisian capital Tunis, in their first ever appearance at the deciding stage of the second-tier continental championship since the birth of the competition in 2004.
Mazembe, four-time winners of the premier African club championship, face arguably their biggest test in their campaign so far in a Sfaxien team that has backed their thirst for the crown with stunning performances en route to this stage.
Carteron reckons a tough game against their opponents, considered the most successful in the competition after successes in 2007 and 2008, but is counting on a training camp in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, to make the difference in the first leg clash.
Les Corbeaux have found a home in the West African city with similar training camps since the group phase, which makes the Frenchman believe they are more than ready for their opponents. Besides the Accra camp, Mazembe were also involved in friendlies in Ethiopia and Angola all geared towards the final.
“We are ready for Sfaxien. They are a very strong side and we are well prepared for them. I believe both teams have a 50-50 chance for this game,” he told the club’s official website.
Another piece of good news for the Frenchman is the fitness levels of key players such Mbwana Samatta, Cheibane Traore, Jonas Sakuwaha and Ousmane Cisse ahead of the game.
“This is an additional asset to the team for the final. We have tried our tactics in the preparatory games and are in a good shape.
“Sfaxien have a strong midfield and Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, who is a Tunisian international is a dangerous player on the right,” said Carteron.
Les Corbeaux have in their fold experienced players such as captain Tresor Mputu, goalie Muteba Kidiaba and Zambian Given Singuluma, all part of the Orange CAF Champions League winning team of 2009 and 2010.
The return leg will take place on November 30 at the Stade de TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Confederation of African Football News
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