Yanga seek CAF redemption

ALGERIA: YOUNG Africans are set to face MC Alger today at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, Algeria, looking to recover from a disappointing 2-0 loss to Al Hilal in their opening CAF Champions League match in Dar es Salaam.

With their backs against the wall, the Tanzanian side will be hoping to secure their first points in Group A.

The current standings show Al Hilal leading the group with three points and a +2-goal difference, followed by MC Alger and TP Mazembe, both tied on one point after a goalless draw in their opening fixture.

Yanga are at the bottom of the table without a point, but the team remain optimistic, knowing they still have some matches ahead to turn things around and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

In his pre-match interview, the Young Africans coach, Saed Ramovic acknowledged the pressure following their opening game loss but noted that it had motivated the team to prepare better.

He said, “We are under pressure after losing the first game, but it has given us the strength to prepare well for today’s match. We cannot predict how the final result will turn out, but we can plan how we will play to get a good result.” The coach also mentioned the team arrived early to adjust to the weather conditions, showing their commitment to being fully prepared.

The coach also addressed the challenge of playing without fans, which he described as less than ideal.

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“It’s not good to play a match without fans, personally, I prefer to see my team playing in front of many fans,” he shared.

He recognised how supporters’ presence motivates the team during matches. Despite the absence of fans in the stadium, the coach took responsibility for delivering a strong performance for those cheering from home.

“But for today, we will miss the fans here in the stadium, so we have a responsibility to fight and make our fans who will be at home happy,” he concluded, emphasising the emotional connection between the team and their supporters. Yanga Manager, Walter Harson expressed confidence that his team will perform better today.

“The team is in high spirits and everyone is eager for today’s match. We have had solid training over the past three days here in Algeria and despite the cold weather being a challenge, the players have adapted well.

Algeria is not unfamiliar ground for us—we have been here several times in the past few years and that gives us an advantage,” said Harson. Club Captain Dickson Job echoed the manager’s sentiments, expressing confidence despite the tough competition. “Our morale is high and we are ready to fight for the points. We have played twice in Algeria before, so we know what to expect. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re here to fight and make sure we get the result we need, so as to stay in contention,” said Job.

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Meanwhile, ahead of the match, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia extended his best wishes to both Yanga and Simba in their CAF inter-club campaigns. Karia expressed his hope that both teams will build on last year’s success, where each side reached quarter-finals and would go even further this season.

“I wish Young Africans and Simba all the best in their CAF Champions League campaigns. Last year, both clubs made it to the quarter-finals and this time, we are hopeful they can go beyond that. “We are proud of their performances and if luck is on Tanzania’s side, we might even witness a Dar es Salaam Derby in the CAF Super Cup. It would be an exciting moment for Tanzanian football,” Karia said.

With five more group-stage fixtures remaining, Young Africans are determined to recover from their slow start and make a strong push for the quarterfinals. A positive result against MC Alger could provide the momentum they need to climb the standings and reach their target.