Yanga eye crucial knockout stage push in CAF CL

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans have reaffirmed determination to advance to the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League (CL) as they gear up for a pivotal group-stage clash against Sudanese powerhouse, Al Hilal.

The high-stakes match is scheduled for Sunday, January 12, at the Cheikha Ouldi Boidiya Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Coming off a commanding 3-1 victory over TP Mazembe at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Yanga’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals have been reignited.

The win has breathed new life into their campaign and they now have their eyes firmly set on securing another vital result. Yanga’s Media and Communications Officer, Ali Kamwe, underlined the importance of the Al Hilal match, stressing that it will require a tailored approach.

“This is more than just a game; it’s a battle. Our strategy for this match is unlike any other. We are entering a battlefield and such plans are never shared publicly,” Kamwe explained.

In addition to the tactical preparation, Kamwe revealed details about the team’s travel plans, stating that they will depart early on Thursday morning, transiting through Turkey before arriving in Mauritania for the crucial encounter.

“If we win our next two matches against Al Hilal in Mauritania on January 12 and MC Alger at home in Dar es Salaam, we will accumulate six more points, bringing our total to 10, which will secure our place in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals,” Kamwe said.

Further boosting the team’s prospects is the return of Zambian attacking midfielder Clatous Chama, who has been sidelined with a hand injury.

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Chama’s recovery marks a significant boost for Yanga as they prepare for the showdown with Al Hilal. His absence had previously kept him out of several Tanzania Premier League matches as well as Yanga’s group-stage game against TP Mazembe.

Meanwhile, Yanga’s recent signing, forward Israel Mwenda, who joined the club on a sixmonth loan from Singida Black Stars in December, is yet to make his debut.

Kamwe clarified that Mwenda’s registration is complete, and his inclusion in the matchday squad will depend on his performance in training.

“Mwenda’s registration has been finalised. Now, it’s all about him proving himself in training to earn a spot in the coach’s lineup,” Kamwe explained.

Yanga’s focus remains clear: Secure all three points in Mauritania and continue their march toward the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.