Yanga turn focus to VPL, plot Simba SC ambush

Addis Ababa. After cruising into the group stage of the 2018 Caf Confederation Cup, Young Africans have turned their focus to the Mainland Premier League.

Speaking to The Citizen here on Thursday, Yanga players said they are not willing to give up on the league title - despite trailing Simba by 11 points.

Simba have been in superb form throughout the season. They have not a lost a match in the league, and have a huge advantage after their 24 league games. They only need to win five more matches between now and the end of the campaign to clinch the trophy and the jackpot that goes with.

But Yanga defender Juma Abdul believe eves the Jangwani Street giants cannot admit defeat in a push for a first league title since 2012.

“We’ve got to keep going. Simba have a healthy gap at the top, and the title is theirs to lose more than anything – but we are Yanga. We can’t just give up,” he said.

“As a club, we have a lot to play for until the end of the season, in terms of Premier League points and, hopefully, more games in the Caf Confederation Cup,” he added.

Team captain Nadir Haroub had similar views, adding that they have got a healthy squad that wants to work hard and win.

‘We face Simba on April 29 - that’s always a massive game, and this season is no different. It could have a big influence on where we finish,” said Haroub.

Yanga were expected to return home last night from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they secured a ticket for the Confederation Cup mini-league despite going down 1-0 to Welayta Dicha.

Yanga had the two-goal first-leg advantage over Welayta Dicha halved just two minutes into the return match when Eshetu Mena scored.

But there were no further goals in Hawassa and the Tanzanians won 2-1 on aggregate to reach the group stage a second time.