Tanzanian duo in key CAF ties

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S quest for continental glory continues this today, as two clubs – Young Africans SC and Singida Black Stars carry the nation’s hopes in CAF inter-club competitions.

Upon arriving in Dar es Salaam Both sides are in strong positions heading into their respective second-leg ties, with a chance to progress further in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

At the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Yanga SC will host Angolan side Wiliete SC, holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg played in Angola.

Head Coach Romain Folz has urged his players not to lose focus despite the scoreline, emphasising the need for continued discipline and improvement.

“We treat every game with the same level of focus and care, whether it’s the league, the Champions League or a cup tie,” said Folz.

He added: “The question now is that can we do better than we did in Angola? That’s what we are working towards.”

Folz praised his team for the first-leg performance, but warned against underestimating their opponents, noting the strength of Wiliete in their domestic campaign last season. He also highlighted the importance of squad rotation, given the tight fixture schedule, saying every player has a role to play.

Meanwhile, Wiliete Head Coach Bruno Ferry is calling for a stronger showing from his side, promising a different attitude in the return leg.

“We need to see a different Wiliete team with us having more personality, better character and improved technical execution. We have the potential to play better and that’s what we are aiming for,” said Ferry.

Victory on aggregate would see Yanga face either Ethiopia Commercial Bank or SC Villa Jogoo of Uganda in the next stage of the competition.

Elsewhere in Dar es Salaam, Singida Black Stars will host Rayon Sport of Rwanda at the Azam Complex, carrying a narrow but vital 1-0 away victory from the first leg played in Kigali.

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The result leaves Singida with a slight edge as they aim to progress to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The winner on aggregate will face either Flambeau du Centre (Burundi) or Libya 1 in the next round.

With both clubs enjoying positive first-leg results, Tanzanian fans will be hopeful of a double progression keeping the country’s name alive in both major CAF interclub tournaments.