Medeama SC’s return to the CAF Champions League ended in disappointment as the Ghanaian champions suffered a 3-1 defeat to TP Mazembe in the second leg of their preliminary-round tie in Lubumbashi on Saturday.

The result completed a 4-1 aggregate victory for the Congolese giants, who had already secured a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa last Sunday.

Medeama travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo needing to overturn the first-leg deficit, but the task became increasingly difficult as Mazembe took control of the contest and punished the Yellow and Mauves at key moments.

Patrick Mwaungulu opened the scoring for the home side after just three minutes, giving Medeama another early setback after they had failed to score in the first meeting.

Josué Kazema then doubled Mazembe’s advantage in the 19th minute, leaving Medeama two goals behind on the afternoon and three down on aggregate before the half-hour mark.

Medeama needed a remarkable comeback to keep their continental campaign alive, but Mazembe’s experience and control made that increasingly unlikely as the match progressed.

Mwaungulu struck again in the 76th minute to put the Congolese side 3-0 ahead and effectively settle the tie.

Medeama eventually found a response through Dominic Amponsah in the 87th minute, but the goal came too late to alter the outcome.

The final whistle confirmed Medeama’s elimination and brought an end to their Champions League adventure after only the first preliminary round action.

Mazembe dominance continues as Medeama return to domestic duty

Mazembe’s victory extends their advantage over Medeama in their recent continental meetings. The clubs also faced each other in the 2016 CAF Confederation Cup, when Mazembe won 3-1 in Lubumbashi before Medeama responded with a 3-2 victory at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi.

This latest Champions League meeting therefore gives Mazembe two victories in the current tie, while Medeama’s only success against the Congolese giants in their recent competitive history remains the 2016 home win.

The result also highlights the challenge Medeama faced against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs. Mazembe have won the CAF Champions League three times in its current format, in 2009, 2010 and 2015, in addition to their earlier African titles in 1967 and 1968. They have won the continental title five times in total.

For Medeama, however, the continental disappointment must now give way to a different challenge. The Yellow and Mauves secured the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title and earned their place in Africa.

Their elimination means Medeama can now turn their full attention to defending their domestic crown and building on the foundations that made them champions last season.

The club will also have to assess the lessons from their short continental campaign. Their inability to score across the opening leg and their struggles to contain Mazembe’s attacking threat in Lubumbashi ultimately proved decisive.

Mazembe, meanwhile, advance to the final qualifying round, where they will face the winner of the tie between Club Africain and Djoliba in the final qualifying round for a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.