Yanga, Azam FC, Coastal Union turn focus to CAF Cup duels

Dar es Salaam. After the challenging week of Community Shield knockout encounters, both Young Africans (Yanga) and Azam FC are now turning their attention to their upcoming CAF Champions League matches.

Yanga will be in action on Saturday against Vital’O of Burundi at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, starting at 4 pm East African time.

The following day, Azam FC will play against APR of Rwanda at the same venue, starting at 6pm East African time.

Additionally, Coastal Union will depart this morning for Angola, ahead of facing Bravos do Maquis in the CAF Confederation Cup match, which is scheduled for this Saturday.

The preliminary matches are crucial for the teams as they aim to advance to the next stage of their respective competitions.

The winner between Yanga and Vital’O will move on to face the winner of the match between CBE of Ethiopia and SC Villa of Uganda, with a spot in the group stage at stake.

Similarly, the victor between Azam FC and APR will meet the winner between JKU of Zanzibar and Pyramids FC of Egypt.

For their part, Coastal Union will face FC Lupopo of DR Congo in the second preliminary round, if they  advance past Bravos do Maquis.

Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi, emphasised the importance of maintaining focus on their upcoming match.

He noted that the team’s goal is to excel in the competition.

 Last season, Yanga faced controversy in the quarterfinals against Mamelodi Sundowns, when Stephane Aziz Ki’s goal was disallowed despite the ball having clearly crossed the goal line during the return leg on April 5, 2024, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The match, refereed by Mauritian Dahane Beida, saw Aziz Ki’s 57th-minute goal being ruled out after receiving a pass from Kennedy Musonda. 

The game was ultimately decided on penalties, with Yanga being eliminated on 3-2 shootouts.

Gamondi stated that the team’s objective is to surpass last year’s stage, and to achieve that, he said they need to secure victories.

“We need to be very keen as we will face tough teams. All matches are crucial as each team has the same goal,” said Gamondi.

Azam FC coach Youssoupha Dabo acknowledged the tough challenge posed by APR and stressed that their aim is to progress and qualify for the group stage.

Both teams are fully aware of the stakes and are preparing diligently to make a strong impact on the continental competitions.

The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining their progress and setting the tone for their campaigns in Africa’s premier club tournaments.