- Yanga are third in their Group
- They have to win to remain hopeful
- Mamelodi Sundowns face FC Nouadhibou in another match
Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga) host Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in a crucial CAF Champions League fixture in Dar es Salaam, where they hope to bag maximum points and improve their chances of making it into the quarter finals.
Yanga, who made the final of the CAF Confederation Cup last season are itching to make the same imprint in the Champions League, and a win against the Algerians will be a step in the right direction.
Head coach Miguel Gamondi says his team is ready and up to the task.
“We know it is not going to be an easy assignment because we watched how good CRB have been over the last few seasons. Everyone is focused on the task at hand and we have prepared well for it,” the Argentine coach said.
He added; “We are playing at home and we have to ensure that the home advantage counts and we go for three points. Our target remains to make the quarter finals and this will be a very crucial match.”
Yanga third in their group
Yanga players training before the Kariakoo Derby.
Yanga are third in Group D with five points and a win will be a massive step in the right direction as it will take them to second place and eight points with a game to spare.
They are currently on five points with CRB, though the Algerians have a better goal difference. A win will need them to just get a single point in their final group match to make the last eight.
Elsewhere, while Yanga seek a vital win, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says the team is wary of what awaits them in Mauritania when they take on FC Nouadhibou in their penultimate Group A match.
Masandawana are second in the group with seven points, same as leaders TP Mazembe and a win will be crucial for them to boost their chances of making the last eight.
Mokwena says they know what is expected of them and are ready for the difficult task on away soil
“We know just how difficult this fame will be. Nouadhibou have picked up for points so far and all have been here at home. Even the matches they lost away were really tight. The reality is that if you look at the composition of the team, they are very good players and a well-coached side,” Mokwena said, speaking ahead of the game.
Sundowns wary of Nouadhibou
Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate their win over Nouadhibou. PHOTO/Sundowns/Twitter
He adds; “if you look at how well the Mauritanian team has done in the recent past even at the just concluded AFCON it tells you of an improving nation. Several Nouadhibou players were part of the squad at the AFCON and it shows the quality of this team.”
Sundowns, who failed to reach the final last season despite being one of the favourites are keen on making amends this time round, with their eyes on the trophy.
Midfielder Sipho Mbule says the team is focused on taking a game at a time.
“We know what we expect and everyone in the team is aware of the side we are going to face. We know our objectives and we have to stick to the plan and play well,” Mbule stated.
In the other group match, TP Mazembe will take on Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Mazembe are on seven points and with victory against the under pressure Pyramids, they will guarantee themselves a place in the last eight with a match to spare.
Pyramids are bottom with four points and have to win to ensure their chances of making the quarter finals remain realistic as defeat would spell doom for their campaign.
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