Yanga, TP Mazembe CAF Cup encounter preps in top gear

Dar es Salaam. Preparations are in top gear for the crucial CAF Champions League Group A match between Young Africans (Yanga) and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, who are set to arrive today.

The highly anticipated match will take place this Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, kicking off at 4pm.

Both teams face a must-win scenario to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.

Yanga are currently at the bottom of Group A with one point, while TP Mazembe occupy third place with two points.

Group leaders Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan have a commanding nine points, having won all three of their first-round matches. MC Alger of Algeria sit in second place with four points.

Despite the standings, no team has yet secured qualification to the knockout stage.

However, Al Hilal need just three more points to confirm their spot. A win for either Yanga or TP Mazembe will revive their chances of contesting one of the top two positions in the group.

Yanga’s remaining group stage fixtures include an away match against Al Hilal on January 10, 2025, and a home clash with MC Alger on January 17 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

TP Mazembe, who played to a 1-1 draw with Yanga in their first encounter in Lubumbashi, are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.

According to reports received by The Citizen, the Congolese side has conducted thorough scouting of Yanga’s recent matches, raising their awareness of the challenge posed by the Tanzanian giants.

The Jangwani Street-based team, buoyed by their passionate home crowd, will look to capitalise on their home advantage to secure three crucial points.

TP Mazembe, a team with a rich history in continental competitions, face an uphill battle against the in-form Tanzanian side.

As the countdown to Saturday’s match continues, football fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two sides fighting for survival in Africa’s premier club competition.