Yanga, Al-Merreikh clash in Champions League decider

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants, Young Africans (Yanga), today face Al-Merreikh of Sudan in the crucial Caf Champions League match at the Azam Complex.

The match has been scheduled to start at 7pm and Tanzania’s side needs a draw in order to qualify for the group stage of the competition for the second time since 1998.

Yanga were the first club in East and Central Africa to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League’s new format.
It is about 25 years since the club qualified for the group’s stage of the competition.

The Jangwani giants won 2-0 in the first-leg match held at Kigali’s Pele Stadium. Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, said they are targeting a victory over El Merrick in order to qualify for the next stage of the competition.

“We need to be well-focused on the match, as it is not going to be easy. We want to maintain our winning streak by qualifying for the group stage. We respect our opponent and also have the same mission and vision,” said Gamondi.

Yanga are expected to field most of their top players in the encounter such as Djigui Diarra, Maxi Nzengeli, Pacôme Zouzoua, Khalid Aucho, Mudathir Yahya, Kennedy Musonda, Jesus Moloko, Ibrahim Bacca, Stephane Aziz Ki, and Mudathir Yahya.

The list also includes Salum Abubakari, Zawadi Mauya, Jonas Mkude, Farid Mussa, Gift Fred, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Clement Mzize, Dickson Job, and many others.

For his part, Al-Merreikh head coach Osama Nabih said they are taking the encounter seriously with the target of emerging victorious. He said his players are in good shape and ready for revenge in the encounter.

“Indeed, it is going to be a tough match for which my players have received intensive training to win.
They are able, willing, and ready to make us happy,” he said.
Yanga, who won silver medals in the Caf Confederation Cup last edition, are one of Tanzania’s most celebrated football clubs, have a rich history, and have a passionate fan base that spans the nation.

Their journey through the Caf Champions League have been a testament to their dedication and determination to excel on the international stage.

Now, they find themselves on the verge of a key moment that could define their campaign in this prestigious tournament.
Al-Merreikh, on the other hand, boasts a strong track record in African club football.

Their reputation precedes them, and they are not a team to be taken lightly. The clash between these two football powerhouses promises to be a thrilling contest of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.