Tanzania giants arrive for CAF clashes in Algeria

ALGERIA: TANZANIA’S representatives in the CAF Champions League, Young Africans, have already reached Algeria ahead of this weekend’s clash against MC Alger, while their domestic rivals, Simba SC, were expected to land in Algiers last night for their tie against CS Constantine.

Yanga were the first to jet into Algiers ahead of their Saturday’s Group A clash against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League, while Simba left the country early yesterday for their upcoming Confederation Cup Group A match against CS Constantine on Sunday.

However, the Simba who were expected to jet on Algeria on Wednesday night left Dar es Salaam without one of its key players, goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who was forced to miss the trip due to health complications. According to a club statement, Manula was part of the original 22-player squad selected for the journey but was unable to travel with the rest of the team.

The exact nature of his health issue was not disclosed and it remains unclear whether a replacement will be called up in his absence.

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Simba’s squad travelled via Turkey to Algiers, where they will face CS Constantine at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui on Sunday. Both teams come into the match with three points each in Group A, having won their opening encounters.

Simba secured a 1-0 victory over Bravos do Maquis, while CS Constantine triumphed 1-0 against CS Sfaxien.

The squad travelling to Algeria includes goalkeepers Moussa Camara and Ally Salum, defenders Che Fondo Malone, Karaboue Chamou, Abdurazak Hamza, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Valentine Nouma, and Kelvin Kijili. Midfielders in the squad are Mzamiru Yassin, Debora Fernandes, Fabrice Ngoma, Ladaki Chasambi, Augustine Okejepha, Omary Omary, Edwin Balua, Kibu Dennis, Jean Ahoua and Awesu Awesu.

The forwards are Leonel Ateba and Steven Mukwala. Simba, who have made strong progress in both domestic and international competitions in recent years, will aim to build on their opening win in the Confederation Cup.

The team has been training intensely, focusing on cohesion, resilience and tactical discipline as they prepare for the challenging clash against CS Constantine. Meanwhile, Young Africans (Yanga SC), Tanzania’s other representatives in African club competitions, have already arrived in Algeria ahead of their CAF Champions League match against MC Alger.

The highly anticipated Group A match is scheduled for December 7 at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douera, with kick-off at 10:00 PM East Africa Time.

Yanga will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to their group-stage campaign, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sudanese side Al Hilal in their opening match.

The return of key players, including striker Clement Mzize and Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, is expected to provide a boost for the team. With their backs against the wall, Yanga is determined to secure all three points to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.

Both Simba and Yanga are focused on securing vital points in Africa’s premier club competitions, with the aim of making a lasting impression and continuing to represent Tanzania on the continental football stage.