Yanga have resumed training to begin preparations for their first CAF Champions League group stage match against AS FAR, scheduled for November 22 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Head coach Pedro Goncalves has approximately ten days to prepare his squad for this crucial fixture, which Yanga will be eager to win.
Having started his tenure at Yanga positively with two consecutive league victories, Goncalves now faces his first major test in the Champions League.
His main objective is to guide Yanga to the quarterfinals, and to achieve that goal, all nine points from the home matches will be essential.
Yanga have been placed in the so-called “group of death,” alongside strong and experienced CAF campaigners — Al Ahly, AS FAR, and JS Kabylie — all of whom have a rich history of success both in continental and domestic competitions.
Currently, Yanga lead their domestic league, while Al Ahly and AS FAR occupy second place in their respective leagues. JS Kabylie are the only side outside the top three, sitting seventh in their domestic standings.
Last season, AS FAR were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Pyramids FC, which means they enter this campaign with renewed determination — just like Yanga, who were knocked out in the group stage last season.
Yanga have opted to host their group stage home matches at the Amaan Stadium, with the management believing that the venue will help reduce the pressure players typically experience when playing at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
