It’s do or die for Yanga, Azam in Tanga today

COACHES predict a brutal Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) finals duel between holders Young Africans and Azam in Tanga today.

Speaking separately, the Assistant Coaches from both sides; Azam, Kalimangonga Ongala, and Yanga’s Cedric Kaze, remarked they anticipate a fierce duel as each side acknowledges the opposite side being in the best shape to challenge the title.

Azam eliminated Simba with a 2-1 win  at Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara last month before Yanga eliminated Singida Big Stars with 2-0 victory  at Liti Stadium in Singida.

Yanga can seal a treble of domestic titles if they defeat Azam in the ASFC  finals at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga today.

At the same time, Azam  can claim their first silverware if they secure a win over the defending champions.

At a pre-match briefing yesterday, Yanga Assistant Coach Cedric Kaze said they are facing a tough team and have always been a challenging duel.

“We are playing against a good team with quality players who are eager to win the silverware, and this is going to make the game tough, but we believe we can win. Our goal is to win treble this season,” Kaze said.

Kaze revealed they would parade on the encounter without Fiston Mayele and Stephanie Aziz Ki; Kaze said they have a depth squad; other players will cover their void and help the team get good results.

Mayele and Aziz Ki left the country yesterday to join their respective national teams, DR Congo and Burkina Faso, ahead of the 2022/23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

On his part, Azam’s trainer  Ongala also admitted a tough final, but they believe they are good to claim the title.

“We admit it is a tough fixture, but our goal remains on the title,” said Ongala.

They both won their past league assignments, with Azam registering a heavy 8-0 success over relegated side Polisi Tanzania, while Yanga picked a 2-0 triumph against Tanzania Prisons.