Yanga launches Azam Federation title defense campaign today
Yanga players Khalid Aucho (left) and Max Nzengeli during training session.
COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The Azam Cup matches would also be a test for Yanga new players who have been recruited during the small window.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) today kick off their title defence in the Azam Sports Federation against Hausing FC of Njombe at the Azam Complex.
The match has been scheduled to start at 7pm, and Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has vowed to take it seriously. Gamondi, who will miss several first-choice players, said that they do not underestimate their opponents, who are featuring in the competition for the first time. “We have the obligation of winning every match and defending the title. I tell my players to fight hard, as there is no easy match and our opponents have qualified for the competition after winning the previous stage," he noted.
He added that the fact that they are the defending champions of the Azam Federation Cup requires them to work harder.
"We need to fight hard in order to retain the title for the third time in a row. It is our responsibility to make our fans happy,” said Gamondi.
The Azam Cup matches would also be a test for Yanga's new players, who have been recruited during the small window. The Jangwani Street giants will be testing new players, namely Augustine Okrah, Shekhan Ibrahim, and striker Joseph Guede. The players will join others, namely Pacome Zouzoua, Maxi Nzengeli, Gift Fred, Jonas Mkude, Salum “Sure Boy” Abubakar, Khalid Aucho, and others who are in the team’s training camp.
The team will miss the services of players, namely Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Bacca, Dickson Job, and Mudathir Yahya, who were with the national football team (Taifa Stars) that played in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast. The list also includes Kennedy Musonda, who featured on the Zambia national team; Stephane Azizi KI (Burkina Faso); and Djigui Diarra, who is with Mali.
For his part, Hausing head coach Shangwe Michael said they are aware that the encounter is going to be very tough but added that his players are in high morale to face the challenge of Yanga players.
Hausing FC performed well in the preliminary stage, where they beat Mgololo FC 2-0 at the Samora Stadium in Iringa.
The team, based in the Ihanga Ward of Igomini outside Njombe Town, managed to win Njombe’s champions title following their 2-0 victory against Michael Jackson in the third division league final.
