Gamondi hails spirited Yanga
DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans Coach, Miguel Gamondi has given credit to his players, following a 2-0 win over Dodoma Jiji at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma on Wednesday.
The victory sent Yanga into the quarter-finals of the CRDB Federation Cup, as they target to successfully defend the title for the third season in a row. An own goal by Emmanuel Joseph who headed into the back of his net in the third minute of the match placed the visitors upfront before Clement Mzize doubled for Yanga in the 66th minute.
At a post-match briefing, Gamondi hailed his players for putting on a spirited fight that enabled them to cruise to the competition’s last eight. The other eight teams that stormed into the quarters are Ihefu, Tabora United, Coastal Union, Namungo, Geita Gold, Azam and Mashujaa who will battle for semi-final slots.
“I am pleased with the results, they (players) fought hard to get this win at an unfriendly venue that was not easy for a high-level football play, but we have made it,” said the Argentine trainer.
He added that making rotation in his team was inevitable as they just came back from the two-legged tough CAF Champions League matches.
“We also have another game on Sunday in Mwanza which is also very important to us but I am happy with the positive outcome we have stamped today (Wednesday),” he said.
Concerning the return of defensive midfielder, Khalid Aucho who was introduced in the last 25 minutes of the game, Gamondi said he featured him to get back his confidence.
“As you know, Aucho stayed for a long time without playing; he needs to regain his rhythm and confidence…it is good that he did not complain after the match,” he said.
He also appreciated the massive turnout by Yanga fans at the venue, who overcrowded the Jamhuri Stadium to back their team, saying their presence contributed a lot to the recorded success. His counterpart, Dodoma Jiji Coach, Francis Baraza, said his side lost focus after conceding an early first-half goal.
“I can say we gifted them both goals but I am proud of my players, they played very well and followed the game plan we organised before the match.
“The game was not easy for both sides. We (the technical bench) are satisfied with the performance displayed by our team ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixtures,” Baraza said.
