Yanga SC will face a tough task this Sunday, February 15, when they host JS Kabylie in the final Group B match of the CAF Champions League, set to be played in Zanzibar.
This is a decisive encounter for the Tanzanian giants, who need a convincing victory of at least two goals to revive their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals. Any other result will end their campaign in this season’s competition.
Yanga head into the match having scored only two goals in their last five group-stage matches. One goal was netted by striker Prince Dube, while the other was scored by defender Ibrahim Bacca.
Those statistics clearly highlight the magnitude of the challenge ahead. After scoring just two goals in five matches, Yanga are now required to score more than that in 90 minutes against JS Kabylie. It is no easy task, but it remains their only route to keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.
Despite their struggles in front of goal, Yanga have managed to create chances in previous matches, with their main issue being poor finishing. In the game against AS FAR, they created no fewer than three clear-cut opportunities that could have secured victory, but none were converted.
All eyes will now be on the attacking trio of Laurindo Aurelio ‘Depu’, Prince Dube, and Clement Mzize. The three forwards are expected to carry the fans’ hopes by making the most of any chances that come their way.
Depu has yet to make a significant impact in the Champions League, and Sunday’s match presents an opportunity to prove that Yanga were right to sign him during the mid-season transfer window.
Dube has shown his threat in international matches, but inconsistency in front of goal has continued to trouble him. On Sunday, he will need to deliver a top-level performance to help Yanga progress.
Mzize has only recently returned from a long-term injury, but the 10 minutes he played against AS FAR suggested he is ready to fight for the team in Sunday’s crucial encounter.
Yanga will benefit from playing at home in front of their supporters in Zanzibar, but the pressure to score multiple goals will add further intensity to the contest.
The 90 minutes on Sunday will determine Yanga’s fate in Group B, with their hopes also partly depending on Al Ahly defeating AS FAR in the other decisive fixture.
