CAF INTERCLUB COMPETITIONS: Simba, Yanga counselled on unity

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA and Young Africans, the country’s representatives in the CAF Inter club Competitions, have been urged to foster unity to enhance chances of success in their upcoming away fixtures.

In the CAF Champions League, Yanga will face Ethiopia’s CBE at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on Saturday for the first leg clash.

The return leg is scheduled to take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on September 21.

Simba, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup, will play against Al Ahly Tripoli at the 11 June Stadium in Libya on Sunday.

The return fixture will be held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on September 22.

The aggregate winners of the two-legged ties will advance to the group stage of their respective tournaments, highlighting the importance of these fixtures for the country’s teams.

In an interview with the ‘Daily News’ yesterday in Dar es Salaam, former Yanga player, Iddy Shabani emphasised the need for unity with in both teams.

“Unity is crucial at this stage of the competition because if everything is well within the clubs, their chances of qualifying for the group stage will improve,” Shabani said.

He added that football has evolved and teams can secure positive results anywhere, whether at home or away, saying that the duo should aim to secure wins on the road.

“Even a draw away can be a promising result, but winning their next games would be ideal for advancing to the last 16,” he noted.

We would be pleased if both teams manage to reach the group stage.

It is our responsibility to fully support them in achieving their goals,” Shaban said, expressing his support.

Former Majimaji FC player, Abdul Ntila, also weighed in, urging Simba and Yanga not to underestimate their opponents.

“CBE and Al Ahly Tripoli have reached this stage for a reason, and they have won their previous games.

Football is unpredictable, so our teams should approach their rivals with caution.

“Respecting the opponents is key.

I am confident that the technical staff of both Yanga and Simba have thoroughly studied their rivals to prepare effective game plans,” he advised.

Draw away could set them up well for the return leg, where a win would be crucial.

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Simba’s squad that was expected to jet off at wee hours today for Libya comprises of goalkeeper Aishi Manula, Moussa Camara and Ally Salim.

Defenders are Shomari Kapombe, Kelvin Kijili, Mohamed Hussein, Valentin Nouma, Che Malone Fondon, Karaboue and Abdurazak Hamza.

In the group, midfielders are Augustine Okejepha, Debora Fernandes, Awesu Awesu, Yusuph Kagoma, Joshua Mutale, Edwin Balua, Fabrice Ngoma, Jean Ahoua and Kibu Dennis.

Strikers are Steven Mukwala, Valentino Mashaka and Leonel Ateba.