The African Football League is preparing to experience an emblematic quarter-final between TP Mazembe and Espérance Sportive de Tunis. This captivating match, scheduled for October 22, 2023 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, promises to be a highlight of the competition.
However, obstacles appeared on the path to this long-awaited confrontation. The events surrounding this quarter-final sparked reactions from the two clubs concerned. Esperance sportive de Tunis announced on social networks that it had received a letter from the Confederation of African Football, relocating the match to Dar es Salam and changing its date from Saturday to Sunday.
For his part, TP Mazembe expressed his frustration with the Congolese government. On its website, the Congolese club accuses the latter of obstructing the holding of the match by withholding CAF equipment and not issuing the necessary visas. These administrative problems could potentially cause the disqualification of TP Mazembe, thus depriving it of participating in this prestigious competition.
The situation took a political turn when the Congolese Ministry of Sports denied having been contacted on this matter by FECOFA (Congolese Association Football Federation). Responsibility is therefore at stake, and it becomes essential to resolve these logistical problems in order to allow these two major clubs to compete in optimal conditions.
Despite these obstacles, the anticipation around this quarter-final remains palpable. Supporters of both teams are eager to see their favorite players perform on the pitch and experience an intense and captivating encounter. The stakes are high, as each team aims for victory and progression to the next phases of the competition.
Let us hope that the competent authorities will be able to find a quick and effective solution to resolve these logistical problems and allow TP Mazembe and Espérance Sportive de Tunis to compete under fair conditions. This African Football League quarter-final match promises to be a high-level sporting spectacle, and football fans will definitely not want to miss it.