The first-leg match of the CAF Champions League playoff round between Silver Strikers and Yanga is scheduled for next Saturday, October 18, in Malawi.
It will be a crucial 90 minutes for Yanga away from home before wrapping up the return leg on October 25 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Despite the evident difference in quality between Yanga and Silver Strikers, the match is expected to be far from easy. Yanga will need to approach the game with caution and avoid underestimating their opponents, who, on paper, may appear to be the underdogs.
After eliminating Elgeco Plus on away goals, Silver Strikers’ coach, Etson-Kadenge Mwafulirwa, admitted that his team will need to be at their absolute best to stand a chance of reaching the group stage against a strong side like Yanga.
The coach, who guided Silver Strikers to a 1–1 draw away in Madagascar and a 0–0 result at home against Elgeco Plus, acknowledged that Yanga surpass his team in both player quality and investment.
Silver Strikers are the reigning Malawi Super League champions, which earned them a place in this year’s CAF Champions League. This season, they currently sit third in their domestic league after 18 matches.
Demonstrating their determination to reach the group stage, Yanga resumed training on October 6, even without 12 of their players who are away on national team duty.
Head coach Romain Folz continues to sharpen his squad with the clear goal of qualifying for the group stage for the third consecutive season.
