TP Mazembe assistant coach Slimane Raho has brushed off accusations that his side parked the bus against Medeama SC, describing their second-half display in Ghana as "elite continental intelligence."
Five-time African champions Mazembe left Ghana with a crucial smash-and-grab away win, weathering intense first-half pressure before striking ruthlessly on the counter.
Medeama head coach Ibrahim Tanko had earlier accused the Congolese giants of playing a defensive game. Raho, however, framed it as knockout pragmatism.
"In the first half, we found difficulties. We were not in place, we made errors, and they missed chances," Raho admitted.
"We did not concede because we had a goalkeeper who was there and anticipating."
According to Raho, the game was won at halftime. With his side losing the open-play battle, the bench made a deliberate tactical shift to cede possession and exploit space behind Medeama's push.
"In the second half, we made changes. We rectified the errors, closed the spaces, and looked for counter-attacks. Thank God, we scored the goal," he said.
"We suffered in the first half, but we were intelligent in the second half. That is what big clubs do."
It was a direct response to Tanko's frustration. While Medeama rued their desperation and missed chances, Mazembe celebrated their efficiency.
"The greats are the greats; you really have to put a strategy in place," Raho added. "The most important thing was that we were solid at the back, and with one chance, we were efficient up front. There was balance."
Despite holding an away advantage heading back to Lubumbashi, Mazembe are refusing to view the tie as finished. Raho issued a chilling warning for the return leg.
"The objective was clear: negotiate the match, win, and return to Lubumbashi to prepare well for the return leg because it will not be easy," he warned.
"It's not just 'we won, it's over.' No. We are going to do the work and redouble our efforts."
For Medeama, the task is now monumental. They must go to one of Africa's most intimidating venues and break down a team that has just shown it knows exactly how to absorb pressure and punish desperation.
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