YOUNG Africans striker Fiston Mayele has forecasted a tough match against Marumo Gallants in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in South Africa tomorrow.
The two teams meet in the reverse leg encounter of the competition, with each curious to make their maiden appearance of the last stage and probably lift the season’s silverware.
“The game is going to be difficult because they (Marumo Gallants) are a good team too, and you saw how they performed in our first leg encounter, but we are ready for it, and this is our job,” said Mayele.
Yanga have already placed one foot into the finals after winning the first leg match 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Ghanian import Bernard Morrison netted in the stoppage time to increase the tally after Stephanie Aziz Ki had put them upfront with a spectacular strike midway in the second half.
However, the race to the finale is still open to either team bearing in mind that there are 90 fresh minutes to exchange tackles and go shoulder-to-shoulder on the pitch battling for the available solo space.
On his part, Yanga’s Media and Communication Manager Ali Kamwe disclosed that preparations for the decisive game are in full swing and that players are adapting well to coaches’ rules of engagement.
“We are thankful that we arrived here safely (on Sunday), and all team members are in good health, looking forward to the historic match which can take us to the finals.
“It is not going to be an easy encounter, especially because they are at home and have nothing to lose, but we just need to be focused and protect what we already have,” Kamwe said.
He also disclosed no injury concerns in the team, saying this will give coach Nasreddine Nabi a comprehensive selection option.
Meanwhile, if Yanga storm into the finals, the convincing results they enjoy this season in domestic and international competitions will continue.
They have already succeeded in defending the Premier League title. They are on the verge of progressing into the Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) finals if they outsmart Singida Big Stars in the last four meetings.
Generally, this has been a good season for the Jangwani-based side as they remain on track to win a treble of titles like they did last season.
