Big test for four CAF Interclub envoys today

TANZANIAN envoys in CAF Interclub tournaments Simba, Young Africans, Azam and Kipanga face highly decisive second leg fixtures which define their destiny at four separate venues today.

Simba and Azam light up Dar es Salaam as they go head to head against Primeiro de Agosto and Al Khadar at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and Azam Complex respectively.

The Msimbazi Street Reds are better placed to seal a place in the group stage of CAF Champions League hollowing their advantageous 3-1 away win they got in the first leg match in Angola last weekend.

As such; they are likely to play with less pressure as  a barren draw or a less than 3-0 goal  loss can bring them to the Promised Land.

But it is a bit different for Azam as they must score unanswered four goals to advance following their 3-0 loss to the Libyans in the first leg match  last weekend.

Tactically, Azam have a good squad which can produce massive win from their backyard, but they need to engage an extra gear to reach their desired goal.

Outside Tanzania, Yanga and Kipanga are facing big hurdles. Yanga, who represent Tanzania in the Champions League face Al Hilal, the team that forced them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium last weekend.

Kipanga, the Isles envoys face Club Africain of Tunisia in the return leg game after they stamped a barren draw with the Tunisian giants in their first leg match at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

“We are heading to Sudan with mentality to win and step into the last 16. We know that the match will be tough but everything is ready and players will give it all on the pitch… inshallah, we will make it,” said Yanga Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi yesterday in Dar es Salaam before their departure.

He also noted that Al Hilal fans are good people hence urged his players to just focus on the match ignoring any sort of disruption they may be exposed to before and during the game.

However, as it stands, a barren draw will be enough for Al Hilal to cruise into the group stage courtesy of an away goal they netted at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium during the first leg match.

Furthermore, in Tunis, Tunisia, Kipanga have a big hurdle to clear in order to advance after their first leg match ended in a barren draw.

As such; an away goal(s) will give them an added advantage against the Tunisians, who despite playing at home, are likely to be at pressure.