CAF Champions League prelims: Sports Ministry rallies behind Medeama ahead of TP Mazembe showdown

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has thrown its support behind Medeama SC ahead of the club's 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign, urging the Ghanaian champions to approach their opening tie against TP Mazembe with confidence and courage.

In a goodwill message dated 3 September, the ministry described Medeama as standard-bearers for Ghanaian football on the continental stage as they prepare to face one of Africa's most decorated clubs.

The message, signed by the ministry's Head of PR and Communications, Bagbara Tanko, on behalf of the minister, said the Tarkwa-based club carried "not only the pride of Tarkwa but the hopes of Ghanaian football".

"You enter this competition as champions of Ghana," the statement said.

"Your recent Champion of Champions victory provides another reminder of the quality, confidence and winning spirit within this team."

The ministry acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting Medeama against five-time African champions TP Mazembe, but encouraged the club to embrace the occasion rather than be intimidated by it.

"TP Mazembe are one of Africa's most accomplished clubs, but this is also an opportunity for Medeama to demonstrate its own ambition," the statement read.

"Respect the opposition but believe in yourselves. Trust your preparation, play with courage, and make home advantage count."

Medeama are no strangers to continental football, having featured in recent CAF competitions, and the ministry pointed to that experience as a reason for optimism.

"You have been on this stage before. You know what it takes to compete among Africa's best," it added.

The ministry also appealed to football supporters across the country to unite behind the Premier League champions as they represent Ghana in Africa's elite club competition.

"To the people of Tarkwa and football supporters across Ghana, let us stand behind our representatives as they carry our flag into Africa," the statement said.

It ended with a direct message to the players and technical team: "Go with confidence. Fight for every ball. Believe until the final whistle.

"Medeama, Ghana is behind you. Go and make us proud."

The first leg of their preliminary round is scheduled to be hosted at the TNA Park on Sunday, September 6, before travelling to Congo for the return leg next week.

Medeama's clash with TP Mazembe is one of the standout fixtures involving Ghanaian clubs in this season's CAF Champions League, with the tie presenting an early test of the club's ambitions against one of the continent's most successful sides.