Yanga, Simba brace for tough CAF Champions League duels
Yanga’s Maxi Nzengeli (right) challenges Simba’s Naby Camara for possession during the Community Shield clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium last Tuesday. Yanga triumphed 1-0 to retain the title. PHOTO | COURTESY
Both sides have departed the country, ready to represent Tanzania in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round this weekend
Dar es Salaam. After a fierce duel in the Community Shield that saw Young Africans (Yanga) edge Simba, Tanzania’s two football powerhouses have now turned their attention to the continental stage.
Both sides have departed the country, ready to represent Tanzania in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round this weekend. Yanga will open their campaign tomorrow in Luanda against Angolan side Williete.
The Jangwani giants, still buoyed by their 1–0 victory in the Community Shield courtesy of Pacome Zouzoua’s strike, are keen to carry that momentum into Africa’s premier club competition. Head coach Romain Folz has urged his charges to stay focused, stressing that the away leg will be crucial in setting the tone for qualification.
On the other hand, Simba are scheduled to face Botswana’s Gaborone United on Saturday. The Reds of Msimbazi, who narrowly missed out in the domestic curtain-raiser, are determined to bounce back with a positive result away from home.
Coach Fadlu Davids has stressed discipline and clinical finishing as the key ingredients for success, with the second leg in Dar es Salaam expected to draw a massive crowd. Tanzania’s representation is not limited to the two giants.
From Zanzibar, Mlandege will travel to Addis Ababa for a Saturday showdown against Ethiopian Insurance. The side will be aiming to pull off an upset and return home with an advantage ahead of the return leg.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Azam FC are heading to Juba, South Sudan, where they will face Al Merreikh. The “Ice Cream Makers” have invested heavily in their squad and are hopeful of making a deep run in the competition.
Singida Black Stars will also be in action on Saturday in Kigali against Rayon Sports, a match expected to draw a big crowd given Rayon’s passionate home support.
Completing the Tanzanian contingent, KMKM of Zanzibar will play away in Djibouti against AS Port on Sunday. Despite being seen as underdogs, KMKM are determined to showcase the resilience of Zanzibar football.
In total, six teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar have departed for their continental assignments, underlining the country’s growing presence in African club football.
