Yanga’s Ramovic shifts focus to domestic campaign

DAR ES SALAAM – YOUNG Africans’ head coach, Sead Ramovic, has stated that his team will now shift their focus to domestic competitions following their disappointing elimination from the CAF Champions League.

This comes after a goalless draw against MC Alger in their final Group A match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday. The goalless draw was indeed disappointing for Young Africans, as it saw them finish with just eight points—one shy of MC Alger, who secured nine points.

At the top of Group A, Al Hilal remained in first place with 10 points, securing a spot in the quarterfinals despite suffering a 4-0 loss to TP Mazembe, who, with only five points, languished at the bottom of the group.

The stalemate meant that Yanga’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals were dashed, with the Algerian side advancing instead. Coach Ramovic highlighted his side next move after elimination shortly after their match. “We have now refocused on the Mainland Premier League and FA Cup. Our priority is to defend the league and cup titles.” he said.

Ramovic, however, remains resolute in the face of the setback. “It’s painful to be out of the Champions League, but we need to trust the process and keep working to improve,” he said.

Despite their efforts, Young Africans failed to capitalise on the chances they created, with several opportunities going begging in a match where they had to win to progress. “We took the game seriously and tried to win it,” Ramovic added.

“We had big chances, but unfortunately, we could not convert them into goals. It’s a tough lesson, but we will learn from this.” Ramovic also took full responsibility for the team’s performance.

“It was a collective effort, but I take full responsibility for the failure to advance. We will continue to improve and aim to finish the season strong in our domestic competitions.”

The coach also addressed concerns about Pacome Zouzou’s fitness. The Ivorian forward had been battling illness throughout the week and was only introduced in the second half against MC Alger. “Pacome is a fantastic player and we did not want to rush him back too soon. That’s why he came on in the second half,” explained Ramovic