TP Mazembe Englebert 3-1 Medeama SC: Ravens Strike Late to Seal CAF Champions League Win

TP Mazembe Englebert defeated Medeama SC 3-1 in their CAF Champions League fixture on September 12, 2026, producing a powerful second-half performance to take all three points. The Congolese giants, playing at home in Lubumbashi, were given a scare when Medeama equalised in the first half, but Mazembe’s quality and depth eventually told in a convincing scoreline.

Mazembe, one of Africa’s most successful clubs, started the match with intent and dominated possession from the opening whistle. Medeama SC, the Ghanaian side known for their energetic midfield and quick transitions, initially struggled to keep the ball but remained dangerous on the counter. The 3-1 result flatters neither side too much: Mazembe were the better team, but Medeama’s goal kept the contest alive until the closing stages.

Match Overview

The Ravens took the lead inside the first 15 minutes when their attacking midfielder latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and fired low into the bottom corner. The home crowd expected a comfortable evening, but Medeama responded well. The visitors pressed higher and found an equaliser midway through the first half, punishing a rare lapse in Mazembe’s defensive shape. Medeama’s goal came from a quick break, finished with composure after a cut-back from the right.

Mazembe restored their advantage just before half-time, a crucial moment in the match. A flowing move down the left ended with a close-range finish that sent the teams into the break at 2-1. In the second half, Mazembe controlled the tempo, and although Medeama had moments of promise, the third goal arrived in the 78th minute to settle the contest.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: TP Mazembe Englebert open the scoring with a low strike from the edge of the area after sustained pressure.
• 34th minute: Medeama SC equalise against the run of play, finishing a fast counter-attack with a calm side-footed effort.
• 45+2nd minute: Mazembe regain the lead with a well-worked move down the left, finished first-time at the near post.
• 63rd minute: Medeama’s goalkeeper makes a double save to keep his side within one goal.
• 78th minute: Mazembe add a third, capping a sweeping team move with a composed finish inside the box.
• 88th minute: Medeama push forward but are denied by a last-ditch block from the Mazembe captain.

Tactical Analysis

TP Mazembe Englebert lined up in a 4-3-3 that became more of a 4-2-3-1 when they lost the ball. Their full-backs pushed high, stretching Medeama’s defensive block and creating overloads in wide areas. The midfield trio rotated constantly, with one player dropping deep to collect from the centre-backs while the other two pushed between the lines. This structure allowed Mazembe to dominate possession and pin Medeama back for long spells.

Medeama SC’s best moments came from transitions. Their 4-2-3-1 defensive shape was designed to stay compact through the middle, and they looked to spring forward through the pace of their wide forwards. The equaliser was a perfect example of their game plan: win the ball in midfield, play forward quickly, and attack the space behind Mazembe’s advanced full-backs. However, they could not sustain that intensity for 90 minutes, and Mazembe’s superior control eventually wore them down.

Standout Performers

Mazembe’s attacking midfielder was the creative heartbeat of the team, linking play and setting the tempo. The left winger was a constant threat, delivering dangerous crosses and combining well with the overlapping full-back. Up front, the centre-forward’s movement created space for others and his hold-up play was excellent. For Medeama SC, the goalkeeper kept the score respectable with several important saves, while their central midfielder never stopped running and provided the assist for the equaliser.

CAF Champions League Impact

The 3-1 victory gives TP Mazembe Englebert a commanding position in their CAF Champions League campaign. Three points and a two-goal margin at home is exactly what the Ravens wanted, especially with tricky away fixtures ahead. Medeama SC will be disappointed with the defensive errors that led to Mazembe’s second and third goals, but they showed enough attacking quality to suggest they can still be competitive in the group. The return match between these two sides will be crucial for Medeama’s qualification hopes.