How delight was high in Dar ahead of CAF quarter finals

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the CAF Champions League quarterfinals first-leg clash between Young Africans and Mamelodi Sundowns at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam approaches, excitement built for this tough and thrilling match.

Coaches of both teams expressed respect for their opponent’s strength, while also conveying confidence in their own team’s ability to win.

During a press conference, Yanga Coach, Miguel Gamondi, expressed his team’s readiness to face Mamelodi, despite admitting the fear of missing some key players such as Khalid Aucho, Pacome Zouzoua, Yao Kouassi, and Kibwana Shomari.

He acknowledged that they would miss the said players, but added that he has a vast number of players to fulfil their mission. He noted that all they need is to focus on the game to win the match.

“Looking forward to the game, there are chances of missing some of my key players, as some are not fit for the match yet, and I can’t risk the health of players who are still unfit. There is a high possibility of missing three to four players,” he said.

Despite the possibility of missing some few players during preparation, Gamondi expressed his trust in the other players who have been in camp.

“We are going to do rotation as we have considerable players in the squad. The most important thing is for them to give their 100 per cent commitment throughout the game. Everyone knows that Mamelodi is one of the finest clubs in Africa, but we are prepared to face every club in front of us,” noted the tactician.

Mamelodi Sundowns trainer, Rulani Mokwena, pointed out his analytical point of view on Yanga, acknowledging that the team has experienced and aggressive players.

Additionally, he described Young Africans’ approach to home games versus away games, citing their wins against Medeama and CR Belouizdad, and their loss to Al Ahly.

“Of course, Yanga are a good team. We have watched all the games they played in the Champions’ League group stage. They change their tactics when playing at home and away.

“But we have done our homework well, we know what to do, we need to be brave to get something from the match and we have not come here to participate but rather to compete and win,” he said.