Yanga turn focus on FA Cup after South Africa heart break

DODOMA: AFTER narrowly missing a chance to cruise into the CAF Champions League’s last four stage, Young Africans are back in the domestic competition campaigns, as they face Dodoma Jiji today at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

The FA Cup defending champions, Yanga, who lost 3-2 on penalties to Mamelodi Sundowns in their recent quarterfinals match in the CAF Champions League will battle it with Dodoma Jiji in defence of their CRDB Bank Federation Cup title won last year after a 1-0 victory over Azam FC in the 2023 finals.

After losing that great opportunity in the major continental inter-club competition, Yanga now turn their focus to the domestic competitions, the other one being Premier League, of which they are title holders.

Yanga are looking to replicate what they did last season by clinching both the FA Cup and the Premier League titles.

The team’s skipper, Bakari Mwamnyeto, emphasised of their thorough preparation to ensure victory against Dodoma Jiji.

“Our team is in top form, and all that remains is for the fans to come out in numbers to support us, so that we can emerge victorious by the grace of God, and march into the quarterfinals,” he stated.

Speaking ahead of today’s match, Dodoma Jiji Head Coach, Francis Baraza, expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to take on the defending champions, warning their guests that they should not expect an easy ride.

“My players are all ready to battle against the defending champions Yanga, and we believe we will emerge victorious,” he said, adding that there are no injuries in his team, ensuring that all players are fit and ready to confront Yanga.

Dodoma Jiji player, Agostino Nsata, on behalf of his teammates, echoed similar sentiments, affirming their readiness to take on Yanga and of their belief in securing victory based on their preparations.

The winner of the clash between Dodoma Jiji and Yanga will advance to join other NBC Premier League teams that have booked their tickets into the CRDB Bank Federation Cup quarterfinals.

Notable among the teams are Ihefu, who secured a convincing 3-0 win over Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam last weekend.

Geita Gold and Tabora United are also among the quarter-finalists, having triumphed over Rhino Rangers and Singida Fountain Gate, respectively.

Additionally, the ice cream makers, Azam FC, progressed to the next round following their 3-0 home victory against Mtibwa Sugar at Azam Complex.

In other fixtures, Namungo advanced after defeating Kagera Sugar in a penalty shoot-out, while Coastal Union secured victory on penalties against JKT Tanzania, following a goalless 90 minutes of play.