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Yanga, Simba in tricky CAF Champions League duels
Yanga players celebrate after scoring during a past match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Yanga face El Merreikh of Sudan at Pelé Stadium in Kigali, and Simba will meet Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The matches have been scheduled to start at 4pm
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania football giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba today play their first games in the CAF Champions League.
Yanga face El Merreikh of Sudan at Pelé Stadium in Kigali, and Simba will meet Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The matches have been scheduled to start at 4pm.
The matches are very important because the two teams are seeking victory in order to pave the way for group stage qualification. The two teams will play the return leg next week at the Azam Complex in the city.
Yanga will be without their captain, Bakari Mwamnyeto, due to family matters, while Simba will miss the services of three players, namely Aubin Kramo, Aishi Manula, and Ahmed Feruz.
Manula has been left due to his fitness level as he has just joined the team after a long injury, and Kramo is also nursing his injury. Feruz did not travel due to technical matters.
Simba’s head coach, Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo, alias Robertinho, said they are not underestimating the Power Dynamos despite their 2-0 victory during the Simba Day special match.
Simba players celebrate after scoring during a past match. PHOTO | FILE
He said his players are in good form and are ready to deliver their best in the match so that it will be an easy job in the return leg to be played next week. “I expect a tough match as we are going to play the team that we met in the new season special match launch (Simba Day) and won 2-0. It will be revenge, as we are playing away,” said Robertinho.
Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, said they are taking the match seriously and believe they will come out with the best results.
Gamondi said they have trained well ahead of the encounter and called on the players to fight hard as they are playing against one of the top teams on the African continent.
“We have committed players who I believe will not let the team down; players know what all Tanzanians need from them and have promised to do well,” said Gamondi.
The team’s attacking midfielder, Maxi Nzengeli, said despite the strong opposition from El Merreikh, they will play with determination in order to win.
“Our morale is high, and we are ready for the encounter. I call upon all Tanzanians to give us support, and I urge my fellow players to do their best,” said Nzengeli.
