Medeama Sporting Club Communications Director, Benjamin Wille Graham, says the Ghana Premier League champions are not intimidated by their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against five-time winners TP Mazembe.

The Mauves were handed a difficult draw in Cairo on Thursday, pairing them with the DR Congo giants in the first round of the continent’s premier club competition.

The first leg is scheduled to take place at the TnA Stadium between September 4 and 6, 2026, with Medeama aiming to secure a place in the group stage.

Despite being drawn against one of Africa’s most successful clubs, Benjamin insists Medeama’s ambition remains unchanged, with the ultimate dream of lifting the CAF Champions League title for the first time.

He explained that reaching the group stage is the immediate objective as the club continues its continental campaign.

“If you’ve listened to my president, Mr Moses Parker, he has told you several times in the media that his dream is to win the competition this year. His hope is that we are going to go to the group stages. That is the current strategy. That is the current target for us,” he told Luv FM.

“No matter the obstacle we face or the position we find ourselves in, our main target is to get to the group stages. So we just have to prepare adequately and meet the target that we have set for ourselves.”

The draw has been viewed by some as a difficult one for the Ghanaian champions, who would ordinarily expect a more favourable opponent at the preliminary stage. Medeama, ranked 54th in Africa, will face a Mazembe side positioned 20th in the latest CAF rankings.

However, Benjamin believes the quality of opposition at this stage means preparation will be more important than the identity of the opponent.

“I wouldn’t use the word luck. TP Mazembe was not ranked, same as Medeama,” he said.

“Even if he had qualified, or perhaps we beat TP Mazembe, the next stage is also going to be a tough side. So, however you look at it, you’re still going to meet, and that’s why it is a Champions League — there are surprises.”

“It depends on your preparation. If you prepare well, you are able to meet any obstacle that you face. If we beat Mazembe, I’m sure it’s not going to be a big surprise,” he added.

Should Medeama overcome TP Mazembe, they will face either Tunisia’s Club Africain or Mali’s Djoliba AC in the second preliminary round.

The Ghanaian champions are currently in Ivory Coast as part of their pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign and their continental assignment.