Yanga fans eager for CAF Champions League group stage clash with Mamelodi Sundowns
Young Africans (Yanga) attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz KI (front) vies for the ball against Mamelodi Sundowns FC player Lucas Ribeiro during the CAF Champions League quarter-final match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on April 5, 2024. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Yanga fans are eagerly awaiting the group stage draw, hopeful that the opportunity for redemption against Mamelodi Sundowns is on the horizon and that the South African side should finally say why they enjoyed a semi-final position that was not theirs.
Dar es Salaam. Fans of the Young Africans (Yanga) football club are eagerly awaiting the CAF Champions League group stage draw, hoping for a rematch with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.
Yanga supporters are seeking revenge after their team was eliminated in a dramatic penalty shootout by Sundowns in last season's knockout stage.
Yanga were knocked out 3-2 in penalties in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, a match that left their fans, players, and officials heartbroken, especially following the controversial disallowed goal by Stephane Aziz Ki in the 59th minute.
Despite the referee, Mauritania's Dahane Beida, reviewing the VAR and seeing the ball cross the goal line, the goal was denied. The incident caused outrage among football stakeholders, and later, CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged that the goal should have stood.
The controversial decision has only fueled Yanga fans' desire to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the upcoming group stage and right what they see as a grave injustice.
With the CAF Champions League draw looming, there is a strong chance Yanga and Sundowns could end up in the same group. Mamelodi Sundowns are seeded in Pot 1, alongside the likes of Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), and TP Mazembe (DR Congo). Meanwhile, Yanga are in Pot 2 with CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Raja Club Athletic (Morocco), and Pyramids (Egypt).
One Yanga fan, Juma Hassan, expressed his desire to see the Tanzanian champions take on Sundowns again, stating, "It is our dream to face them and seek revenge. Last time, we were missing key players, but now we are stronger. In fact, the whole world knows that we were better than them but they were lucky to have the officiation team on their side for unknown reasons"
Hassan highlighted that three crucial first-team players—Khalid Aucho, Pacome Zouzoua, and Kouassi Attohoula Yao—were unavailable during the last encounter.
This season, Yanga's squad has been bolstered by new talent, including Clatous Chama, Prince Dube, Jean Baleke, Shadrack Boka, Duke Abuya, Aziz Andambwile, and goalkeeper Khomeini Abubakar, raising hopes for a better performance.
Another Yanga fan, Mussa Shaaban, echoed Hassan's optimism, emphasizing that the current Yanga squad is stronger than last season and can compete with any top team on the continent, including Sundowns.
Shaaban noted the improvements in Yanga's lineup and believes the Tanzanian champions are ready for any challenge in the tournament.
Yanga fans are eagerly awaiting the group stage draw, hopeful that the opportunity for redemption against Mamelodi Sundowns is on the horizon and that the South African side should finally say why they enjoyed a semi-final position that was not theirs.
