Yanga face CBE daunting test

ZANZIBAR: YOUNG Africans Head Coach, Miguel Gamondi, has expressed confidence as his team prepare to face CBE in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar today.

The match will determine who advances to the group stage of the prestigious tournament.

Yanga entered the match with a narrow 1-0 advantage, thanks to a goal from Prince Dube in the first leg held at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia last Saturday.

“We feel no pressure because we are playing at a great venue and have everything we need to perform well.

It is important to stay calm, as our opponents have nothing to lose and will do everything they can to secure a favourable result, even a draw would benefit us,” the Argentine noted.

Gamondi acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized his teams’ determination to qualify for the group stage.

“We’ve prepared for this match like any other and this time we have had ample rest and a full squad, unlike in the previous match where some players joined us late due to national team duties,” he noted.

The coach said that their previous encounter provided valuable insights into CBE’s playing style, allowing Yanga to devise a more effective strategy for today’s match.

He also urged Yanga fans to come out and support the team in big numbers. Centre-back Ibrahim Bacca echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing optimism for a better performance.

“In our last match, we missed several scoring opportunities, but I believe we will be more effective in front of goal this time,” he said.

On the other side, CBE’s Coach, Sisay Kebede, acknowledged the challenge of facing a strong opponent like Yanga.

“They are one of the biggest teams in Africa with quality players, so we must remain cautious,” he remarked.

“We know they play an attacking style of football, but we are here to win and advance to the group stage.” Kebede stressed the importance of a balanced approach, given their current 0-1 deficit.

“We need to score to secure an essential away victory,” he added, citing their previous experience in winning away matches as a source of confidence.

As CBE make their debut in the CAF Champions League, the Ethiopian side is eager to make an impression and advance to the last 16.

The stage is set for an exciting clash between the two teams, with both sides aiming for a place in the prestigious tournament’s group stage.