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Be vigilant, TZ CAF envoys told

FORMER players have urged Tanzanian teams competing in the CAF Interclub Competitions to conduct thorough analyses of their opponents
CAF Interclub Competitions

DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER players have urged Tanzanian teams competing in the CAF Interclub Competitions to conduct thorough analyses of their opponents before their preliminary round matches.

Four teams from Mainland and Zanzibar are lined up to launch their campain in the preliminary rounds of CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup this weekend.

The new campaign for CAF interclub competitions kicks off this weekend, with Young Africans (Yanga) hosting Vital’O of Burundi in the first leg of the Champions League at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

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The Burundian side has opted to play both of their preliminary matches in Tanzania.

After Saturday’s fixture, Vital’O will remain in Dar es Salaam for the second leg, scheduled between August 23rd and 25th.

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Also on Saturday, Coastal Union, representing Tanzania in the CAF Confederation Cup, will face AS Bravo of Angola in their first-leg match in Angola.

The Tangabased team is set to depart today for this crucial encounter.

On Sunday, Azam FC will host APR of Rwanda in the first leg of their Champions League clash at the Azam Complex Chamazi in Dar es Salaam, with the return leg set to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, between August 23rd and 25th.

Simba SC will commence their Confederation Cup campaign in the second preliminary round, facing the winner of the Uhamiaji FC (Zanzibar) versus Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) matchup.

Speaking with the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam, former Simba player and coach Abdallah Kibadeni ‘King’ stressed the importance of detailed preparation and understanding of opponents.

“In football, thorough preparation is crucial. Teams need a clear grasp of their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses to succeed.

As a Tanzanian, I wish all our teams the best and hope one or two advance far in the Champions League or Confederation Cup,” he said.

Former Majimaji FC player Abdul Ntila expressed confidence in the teams’ performances based on recent Community Shield semifinals.

“Having watched all their matches, I believe Yanga and Azam are well-prepared for their CAF games, while Simba and Coastal Union may need further squad adjustments.

Simba is still in a rebuilding phase with many new players and staff, so they should be ready by the time their CAF game arrives,” Ntila commented.

Ex-Yanga player Bakari Malima also encouraged fans to support their CAF representatives to achieve strong performances and advance to the group stages.

“Our teams have quality players and it’s crucial they secure significant wins in their home games to ease their away fixtures,” Malima added.

Title holders Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) are among the highestranked clubs exempted from the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

Similarly, 12 highestranked clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup, including holders Zamalek SC and Simba, are also exempted from the First Preliminary Round.