Can Yanga defy the odds to qualify for the CAF quarters?
Young Africans (Yanga) striker Clement Mzize (left) dribbles past TP Mazembe players during the CAF Champions League match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam last Saturday. Yanga won 3-1.PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- MC Alger currently edge Yanga with a better goal difference (+1 compared to Yanga’s -2) and hold an advantage in head-to-head results, having defeated Yanga 2-0 in their opening encounter in Algeria.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga), Tanzania’s envoys in the CAF Champions League, face an uphill task to secure a spot in the knockout stage, despite their recent 3-1 victory over TP Mazembe of DR Congo.
This crucial win elevated Yanga to third place in Group A with four points, keeping their hopes alive. However, they are tied on points with MC Alger of Algeria, whose result against Al Hilal Omdurman in Mauritania yesterday will further shape the group standings.
MC Alger currently edge Yanga with a better goal difference (+1 compared to Yanga’s -2) and hold an advantage in head-to-head results, having defeated Yanga 2-0 in their opening encounter in Algeria.
Yanga’s challenges ahead
To progress to the knockout stage, Yanga must win their remaining two group matches decisively. They first face Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan on January 10 before hosting MC Alger at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on January 17 in Dar es Salaam.
Against Al Hilal, Yanga need at least a 2-0 victory to improve their goal difference and against MC Alger, they must secure a minimum 3-0 win to surpass their rivals in head-to-head statistics.
These results are critical, especially if both Al Hilal and MC Alger exceed 10 points before their final fixtures. With TP Mazembe now eliminated from contention, the group dynamics hinge on Yanga’s ability to achieve decisive wins.
Group A dynamics
Al Hilal currently lead the group and could accumulate a maximum of 18 points if they win their remaining matches. MC Alger could reach 13 points if they win their remaining fixtures, while Yanga can only manage a total of 10 points if they secure victories in their final two matches.
Interestingly, TP Mazembe, although arithmetically alive, would need to win their last two matches and hope for unfavourable results for both Yanga and MC Alger to qualify. The DR Congo side could only reach eight points if they succeed.
Yanga’s determination
Despite the daunting task, Yanga’s leadership remains optimistic. Club President Hersi Saidi has assured fans that the team will rise to the occasion.
“We will qualify for the next stage, there is no doubt about that, and it will be at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium when we play our last match against MC Alger,” Hersi confidently declared.
Hersi’s statement followed a morale-boosting gesture from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who donated Sh15 million through the ‘Goli la Mama’ Campaign after Yanga’s victory over TP Mazembe.
What’s next?
The stakes are high for Yanga as they navigate the challenges of Group A. Their fate depends not only on their performances but also on the results of their competitors.
With a loyal fan base rallying behind them, the Jangwani Street giants must deliver their best football to keep the nation’s hopes alive in the CAF Champions League.
