Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC have been drawn against five-time African champions TP Mazembe in the opening preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
The Tarkwa-based side will begin the tie at home at TNA Stadium before travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the second leg. The two matches will decide which club progresses to the second preliminary round of Africa’s leading inter-club competition.
The pairing was confirmed during Thursday’s draw at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, where Medeama were handed one of the most demanding assignments available in the first round.
TP Mazembe are among the continent’s most successful and experienced clubs, making the tie a major test for the Ghanaian champions as they prepare for another campaign on the African stage.
Medeama secured their place in the competition by winning the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title. Their latest league triumph earned them the opportunity to represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League once again and pursue a return to the group phase.
Should Medeama eliminate TP Mazembe, they will face the winner of the second-round tie between Tunisian club Club Africain and Malian side Djoliba AC. That contest will determine who advances to the lucrative group phase of the tournament.
The first legs of the opening preliminary round are scheduled for 4-6 September, with the return matches due to take place from 11-13 September.
The second preliminary-round first legs will then be played between 14 and 16 September, followed by the return fixtures from 23-25 September.
For Medeama, the immediate challenge is to produce a strong performance at TNA Stadium before attempting to secure progress away from home in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A successful two-legged outcome would strengthen the club’s continental ambitions while maintaining Ghana’s hopes of having a representative reach the latter stages of the CAF Champions League.
The Mauve and Yellow will draw on their previous experience in the competition as they seek to navigate a difficult route towards the group stage. Their opening-round opponents, however, bring considerable pedigree and a long record of success in African club football.
Preparations will now begin in earnest for a high-profile and fiercely contested meeting between the Ghanaian champions and TP Mazembe.
