Ebola crisis throws Medeama's CAF Champions League tie into doubt as TP Mazembe return leg faces uncertain future

Medeama SC's return to the CAF Champions League could be overshadowed by a growing public health crisis, with the second leg of their preliminary-round tie against Congolese giants TP Mazembe facing uncertainty amid a worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Ghana Premier League champions were paired with five-time African champions TP Mazembe during Thursday's CAF inter-club competition draw in Cairo, with the first leg scheduled to be played at the TnA Stadium between September 4 and 6, before the return fixture in Lubumbashi from September 11 to 13.

However, the escalating Ebola outbreak in the DRC has raised serious concerns over whether the return leg can safely be staged in the country, with increasing calls for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to prioritise the health and safety of players, officials, supporters and all stakeholders by considering a neutral venue.

While CAF is yet to make an official announcement, the continental governing body is expected to closely monitor developments before deciding whether the fixture can proceed in the DRC or should be relocated.

The outbreak comes at a particularly difficult time for the Central African nation, which is already grappling with armed conflict, political instability, humanitarian challenges and mass displacement in several regions.

According to the latest available figures, the outbreak - caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus - has spread rapidly since it was first reported on May 15, 2026. As of July 27, authorities had recorded 3,360 confirmed cases and 1,487 deaths, with infections reported across Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo provinces.

Health experts have warned that the outbreak is expanding at an alarming rate, with confirmed cases doubling roughly every 20 days. Between July 28 and 29 alone, the virus claimed 50 lives, underlining the severity of the crisis.

The rapidly deteriorating situation has inevitably sparked concern in Ghana, where Medeama are preparing for another continental campaign after securing qualification by winning the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title.

The Tarkwa-based club will be eager to focus on football, but uncertainty surrounding the venue for the return leg could have a significant impact on their preparations as they await guidance from CAF.

Medeama have fond memories of facing TP Mazembe, having recorded a memorable 3-2 victory over the Congolese giants during a CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on August 14, 2016.

Should Medeama eliminate TP Mazembe, they will progress to the second preliminary round, where they will face either Club Africain of Tunisia or Djoliba AC of Mali for a place in the lucrative group stage of Africa's premier club competition.

The first preliminary round is scheduled for September 4–6, with return fixtures set for September 11–13. The second preliminary round will follow almost immediately, with first-leg matches taking place between September 14 and 16, before the decisive return legs from September 23 to 25.

For now, however, the spotlight has shifted beyond the pitch. With an escalating health emergency unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo, all eyes will be on CAF as it weighs its options and prepares to make a decision that could reshape one of the headline ties of the opening round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

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