Medeama's lack of CAF experience cost us - Ibrahim Tanko after Champions League elimination

Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko says his side's lack of experience at continental level played a major role in their early exit from the CAF Champions League.

The Ghanaian champions were knocked out in the first preliminary round after a 4-1 aggregate defeat by DR Congo giants TP Mazembe.

Medeama travelled to Lubumbashi needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit from Tarkwa, but their hopes of reaching the next stage were ended by a 3-1 defeat in the return leg.

Reflecting on the result, Tanko admitted that several of his players struggled to cope with the occasion as they were experiencing CAF Champions League football for the first time.

"Like I said before, we gave up the goals. Unfortunately, we have a lot of players who are playing here for the first time at this level, so definitely they are jittery a bit," he said.

The former Ghana international added that his side attempted to mount a comeback after falling behind, but their changes failed to produce the desired response.

"We made very good changes, and then we pressed to get the goals, but unfortunately it didn't work out well."

Medeama will now shift their focus to defending their Ghana Premier League title, with Tanko hoping the experience gained against one of Africa's most decorated clubs will better prepare his squad for future continental campaigns.