Yanga still facing tough task against Marumo, says Nabi
Stephane Aziz Ki of Young Africans celebrates a goal during the Caf Confederation Cup 2022/23 semifinal first leg against Marumo Gallants at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Wednesday. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Yanga will meet Marumo Gallants on May 17 at the Venue Royal Bafokeng Stadium in North-West Phokeng in South Africa from 7pm Tanzanian time
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) head coach Nasreddine Nabi has said they are still facing a tough task in the semifinal return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup against Marumo Gallants of South Africa despite their 2-0 victory at the home venue.
Yanga will meet Marumo Gallants on May 17 at the Venue Royal Bafokeng Stadium in North-West Phokeng in South Africa from 7pm Tanzanian time.
Nabi said they are yet to reach the tournament final as there is another 90 minutes away against the same rivals. Yanga only need to ensure that they don’t lose by three clear goals or more in the return match.
He explained that they will play with determination in the return leg and he is very happy for his players after managing to stop them to concede a goal in the first leg. “It is not over as we need to travel and play against Marumo in South Africa. So far I know the weak and strong sides of my rivals. I’m going to have a different approach in the return leg,” said Nabi.
He said Gallants are a good team and that his players will have to be very keen in the return leg.
“They have good midfielders and normally attack through their sharp players. We already know what to do in the return leg and we are sure of qualifying for the final of the competition,” he said.
If Yanga enter the final, they will play either USM Alger of Algeria or ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, USM Alger are the lone representatives of the north in the semi-finals this season, and look set to progress after drawing 0-0 with ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast.
Former African champions ASEC thought they had taken the lead in 28 minutes through Sankara Karamoko, but his goal was disallowed after a VAR review showed him marginally offside.
USM were under the cosh for most of the second half in Bouake, and goalkeeper Oussama Benbot made several brilliant saves.
Both second legs are scheduled for next Wednesday. Yanga or Marumo then host the first leg of the final on May 28 with the return match six days later.
