Florent Ibenge eyes consistency as Al Hilal face TP Mazembe

Al Hilal AC head coach Florent Ibenge has emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and avoiding dropped points as his side prepares to take on African giants TP Mazembe in a high-stakes TotalEnergies CAF Champions League clash in Nouakchott.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Congolese tactician, fresh off a 2-0 victory against Young Africans, acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed his team’s determination to continue their strong start in the group stage.

“We want to be in first or second place,” Ibenge said.

“At the beginning, we weren’t considered favorites in this group, but there are teams that are, and we aim to reach the quarter-finals.”

His remarks reflected a balanced mix of ambition and pragmatism, as Al Hilal looks to punch above their weight in a tough group.

Facing a Familiar Foe

Ibenge is no stranger to TP Mazembe, having previously managed the Congolese powerhouse. He recognized the strength and pedigree of his opponents, who have a storied history in African football.

“TP Mazembe is an experienced team with a rich history. We need to stay focused and give our all until the final whistle,” he noted.

Despite the uphill task, Ibenge believes Al Hilal can challenge the group’s hierarchy and keep their hopes of advancing alive.

A Pragmatic Approach to Group Stages

Central to Ibenge’s strategy is what he calls “the squirrel policy,” a cautious and risk-averse approach tailored for the group stages.

“If we can’t take three points, we must take one. We don’t want to drop any points,” he explained.

This philosophy underscores the need to steadily accumulate points to stay competitive in the race for qualification.

The Sudanese side’s impressive victory against Young Africans has given them confidence heading into this crucial fixture.

The neutral venue in Nouakchott provides a unique backdrop for Al Hilal to capitalize on their recent form and push closer to their goal of reaching the quarter-finals.

All Eyes on Nouakchott

With both teams eager to secure a vital result, the match promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

TP Mazembe, with their vast experience, will be looking to assert their dominance, while Al Hilal will aim to continue defying expectations under Ibenge’s measured guidance.

As the group stage unfolds, every point becomes critical, and this showdown could prove pivotal in shaping the fortunes of both sides.