Baleke, Boka to play for Yanga in CAF Cup clash against CBE
Yanga Players and Officials Arrive in Ethiopia Ahead of CAF Champions League Match. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
Yanga’s Competition Chairman, Rogers Gumbo, confirmed to The Citizen that they have received official communication from CAF permitting both players to participate in the second preliminary round matches, as well as any future matches if the team advances further in the tournament.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) fans have reason to celebrate as two of their key players, Jean Baleke and Shadrack Boka, have been cleared to play in the CAF Champions League match against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).
Yanga are set to face CBE tomorrow at the Addis Ababa Stadium at 3pm East African Time in the second preliminary round of the competition
Yanga’s Competition Chairman, Rogers Gumbo, confirmed to The Citizen on Thursday that they have received official communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) permitting both players to participate in the second preliminary round matches, as well as any future matches if the team advances further in the tournament.
According to Gumbo, the two players were previously barred from participating in the first preliminary round match against Vital’O of Burundi due to CAF regulations.
This was because the club submitted their names late during the registration process.
“We have been allowed to use these players in the match against CBE, which is a significant morale boost for the team. This is why we have included them in the squad currently in Ethiopia,” said Gumbo.
However, Yanga will be without the services of two players: Farid Mussa, who is currently undergoing treatment following surgery, and Nickson Kibabage, who is attending his father’s funeral.
In other developments, all players who were previously involved with various national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier matches have now rejoined the squad.
These players include Stephane Aziz Ki, who was with the Burkina Faso national football team; Clatous Chama and Kennedy Musonda, who represented Zambia; and Prince Dube, who played for the Zimbabwe national team.
Also returned to the team were Djigui Diarra, who was with the Mali national team, Duke Abuya from Kenya, Khalid Aucho from Uganda, and several players from Tanzania's national team, Taifa Stars, including Aboutwalib Mshery, Ibrahim Hamad Bacca, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Dickson Kibabage, Mudathir Yahya, and Clement Mzize.
The team, now complete, will undergo two days of intensive training ahead of their crucial encounter against CBE. The return of these players is expected to significantly strengthen Yanga's lineup as they prepare to secure a favorable result in Addis Ababa.
Yanga are determined to progress further in the CAF Champions League this season, and the return of key players is a significant boost to their chances. The club’s technical team, led by head coach Miguel Gamondi, is focusing on tactical drills and strategic planning to counter the strengths of CBE, a formidable opponent on home soil.
Fans are hopeful that with the addition of Baleke and Boka and the return of players from international duty, Yanga will put on a strong performance and continue their journey in the CAF Champions League.
The Yanga squad, filled with a blend of local talent and international experience, are poised to deliver a thrilling match, and supporters are eagerly anticipating a positive outcome in the crucial away fixture.
