TABORA: ALL eyes and ears will be on Tabora Region today as the Mainland Premier League showdown between Young Africans (Yanga) and Tabora United take centre stage at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium.
This highly anticipated match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams carrying a great deal of ambition and determination.
Yanga will be out to redeem themselves after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Tabora United in the first round at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The defending champions are eager to bounce back and seek revenge.
On the other hand, the hosts, Tabora United, will be hungry to prove that their earlier victory was no fluke, aiming to secure another win against the league leaders.
In their last meeting, Tabora United triumphed 3-1 at the Azam Complex in Chamazi under the guidance of former head coach Anicet Kiazmak.
Yanga, at that time, was under the leadership of Miguel Gamondi.
However, neither of these coaches is currently with the respective teams, as both clubs have moved in different directions.
Yanga, sitting comfortably at the top of the league standings with 58 points from 22 matches, will be looking to maintain their dominance.
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Meanwhile, Tabora United, in fifth place with 37 points from 23 games, will be eager to add another statement win to their campaign.
Ahead of the clash, Yanga’s Head Coach, Miloud Hamdi, spoke from Tabora, reflecting on the previous loss to Tabora United.
Although Hamdi was not on the bench for that match, he has since analysed the performance and devised a plan to ensure his team does not face defeat again.
“We understand that today’s match will be tough. In general, every game against Yanga is a battle because every team gives their best when facing us and we are taking this game very seriously and we are determined to secure a victory,” said Hamdi.
On his part, Tabora United’s Head Coach, Genesis Mang’ombe, also expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the challenge.
He emphasised that while it won’t be an easy feat, his squad is prepared to continue their impressive form against Yanga.
“We managed to beat Yanga in the previous encounter, although I was not part of the technical bench at that time. This time, our fans expect nothing less than another victory. It won’t be easy, but from defence to attack, we are prepared and hoping for another positive result,” Mang’ombe said.
With both teams fired up and ready for battle, this match promises to deliver plenty of drama, as Yanga fights to maintain their lead, while Tabora United looks to secure another memorable victory
