BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Medeama Sporting Club’s return to the CAF Champions League has been overshadowed by growing uncertainty after a worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raised serious questions over whether their away fixture against TP Mazembe can safely be played in Lubumbashi.
The Ghana Premier League champions were handed a difficult draw during Thursday’s CAF inter-club competitions ceremony in Cairo, where they were paired against five-time African champions TP Mazembe in one of the standout fixtures of the first preliminary round.
Under the current schedule, Medeama will host the first leg at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa between September 4 and 6, before travelling to Lubumbashi for the return leg between September 11 and 13.
However, preparations for the tie have been overshadowed by the escalating Ebola outbreak in the DRC, prompting increasing calls for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to prioritise the health and safety of players, officials, supporters and all stakeholders by considering moving the second leg to a neutral venue if conditions fail to improve.
Although CAF has yet to issue an official statement, the continental football governing body is expected to monitor the public health situation closely before deciding whether the match can safely proceed in the Congolese city or whether an alternative venue will be required.
The outbreak has compounded an already difficult situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that continues to battle armed conflict, political instability, humanitarian crises and the displacement of thousands of people across several regions.
According to the latest available health figures, the outbreak—caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus—has spread rapidly since it was first detected on May 15, 2026. As of July 27, authorities had confirmed 3,360 infections and 1,487 deaths, with cases recorded in the provinces of Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo.
Health experts have warned that the outbreak is worsening at an alarming pace, with confirmed infections doubling approximately every 20 days. The seriousness of the situation was further highlighted when 50 additional deaths were recorded between July 28 and July 29 alone.
The deteriorating health emergency has naturally become a major concern for Medeama, who secured qualification for the CAF Champions League after winning the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title.
While the Tarkwa-based club is focused on making another strong impression on the continental stage, uncertainty surrounding the venue for the decisive second leg could significantly affect their preparations as they await guidance from CAF.
Medeama, however, have positive memories of previous meetings with TP Mazembe. In one of the club’s most memorable continental victories, they defeated the Congolese giants 3-2 during a CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match played at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on August 14, 2016.
The stakes are equally high for this year’s encounter. The winner over the two legs will advance to the second preliminary round, where a place in the lucrative CAF Champions League group stage will be at stake against either Club Africain of Tunisia or Djoliba AC of Mali.
According to the CAF calendar, the second preliminary round will follow almost immediately after the opening round, with first-leg matches scheduled for September 14 to 16 and return fixtures taking place between September 23 and 25.
