Despite trailing after a frustrating home defeat, the Ghanaian champions remain confident of causing an upset in Congo.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, head coach Ibrahim Tanko insisted that while the team respects the pedigree of the Congolese giants, they will not be intimidated.
"We knew that TP is a very big club and five times champions, so definitely we respect them. But I don't think we have to be afraid," Tanko said.
"The ball is on the pitch, 11 against 11 plus the referee, so this is where our concentration is."
Tactically, Medeama are preparing to take the game to the hosts from the first whistle tomorrow. The first leg saw Mazembe execute a disciplined counter-attacking game plan that punished Medeama's wastefulness in front of goal.
Tanko dismissed suggestions that his side suffered from fatigue late on, attributing the defeat to bad luck in the final third.
"We are behind, so we have to come on from the first minute," he explained.
"I don't think they will open up because they are leading, so let's see what will happen."
The players share the same defiant mentality. Midfielder Emmanuel, who spoke on behalf of the squad, revealed intense internal discussions have taken place since the home setback.
"We spoke among ourselves and we are coming here with a different mentality," he declared.
"In the first game, we did everything, but it was unfortunate that we couldn't put the ball at the back of the net. This time around, we are here to change things.
"We are motivated because they came to our home and scored against us."
Medeama have been boosted by a fully fit squad with no injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's crucial tie. The team also says it is unfazed by the artificial turf in Lubumbashi, pointing to their experience on similar surfaces in Ghana.
The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Stade TP Mazembe, with progression to the next round of the CAF Champions League at stake.
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