Despite acknowledging the tough challenge ahead in their quest to reach the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, Yanga’s Media and Communications Manager, Ali Kamwe, has called on fans and club members to stand firmly behind the team — especially in home matches.
Yesterday, Yanga announced its decision to host all three of its CAF Champions League group-stage home matches at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Kamwe noted that Yanga has been placed in one of the toughest groups, consisting of clubs from Africa’s top five leagues.
The group, designated as Group B, includes Al Ahly of Egypt (from Africa’s top-ranked league), AS FAR of Morocco (second-ranked), JS Kabylie of Algeria (third-ranked), and Yanga of Tanzania, whose Premier League is ranked fifth in Africa.
“This is a tough group — a group of death. It represents the greatness of African football. The top five leagues in Africa are all brought together here. This is war — pride and honor will be earned in every 90 minutes of play,” said Kamwe.
“It’s a group that must be approached with calmness and great focus. It’s full of traps and challenges, and you can’t afford to blink. We have a real chance to qualify for the quarterfinals. We’ve been in similar situations before — and we achieved great things.”
“Let’s begin preparations, Wananchi! The islands of Unguja and Pemba should become a battlefield for the North Africans. Let’s prepare our ‘poison of destruction.’ We are Young Africans Sports Club — and it wasn’t by chance when we declared: *DAIMA MBELE NYUMA MWIKO* (Always Forward, Never Backward).”
“Some have already written us off — and we’ve heard them clearly. My message to you, Wananchi: don’t respond with words. Let our actions do the talking. Let’s get ready,” Kamwe urged.
Yanga will kick off their group-stage campaign against AS FAR between November 21–23 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.