First test for Ramovic as Yanga face Al Hilal in CAF’s Cup match
Young Africans (Yanga) new head coach Sead Ramovic. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The Group A match is scheduled to kick off at 4pm at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and will serve as the first test for Yanga’s new head coach, Sead Ramovic, who recently took over from Argentine tactician Miguel Gamondi.
Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Tanzania champions, Young Africans (Yanga), face an uphill task today against Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan in the first match of the CAF Champions League group stage at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Group A match is scheduled to kick off at 4pm at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and will serve as the first test for Yanga’s new head coach, Sead Ramovic, who recently took over from Argentine tactician Miguel Gamondi.
In addition to the Yanga versus Al Hilal Omdurman clash, another Group A match will feature TP Mazembe of DR Congo against MC Alger of Algeria at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, also starting at 4 pm.
However, all eyes and ears of football fans in Tanzania will be focused on the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where the country’s champions, Yanga, will seek revenge against the Sudanese side and aim to start their campaign for qualification to the knockout stage on a high note.
Records indicate that in their last two encounters, Yanga failed to secure a victory against Al Hilal Omdurman, resulting in their elimination in the preliminary round of the same competition in 2022.
Yanga managed a 1-1 draw on October 8, 2022, but lost 1-0 in the return leg at Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman.
This match is crucial for Yanga, as a win would pave the way for their qualification to the next stage of the competition. Yanga players are reported to be in good shape ahead of the encounter and are determined to give their best.
Speaking yesterday, Ramovic emphasized their focus on victory despite expecting a tough challenge.
“We need to be well-focused in the match, which is not going to be easy, as each club is out for victory on the football pitch. We have trained well ahead of the encounter,” said Ramovic.
Al Hilal’s head coach, Florent Ibenge, also stated that his team is taking the game seriously to secure a win over Yanga.
“The players know the importance of the match and believe they will not let us down.
We have trained well and hope to perform at our best, despite expecting strong opposition. We need to start our campaign toward the knockout stage with a bang,” said Ibenge.
