Tanzania Mainland champions Yanga SC begin their CAF Champions League campaign tonight when they take on hosts Gaborone United in the first leg at the Botswana National Stadium.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. East Africa Time, is being billed as the first major test for Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who is determined to guide the team deeper into Africa’s biggest club competition.
Yanga arrived in Botswana with a squad of 27 players, including key stars such as goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, playmaker Stephane Aziz Ki, winger Hussein Zakouane and dangerous striker Peter Shalulile, all part of the firepower they have brought to Botswana in search of a crucial away victory.
Speaking ahead of the match, Gaborone United head coach Sean Connor of Northern Ireland admitted that his side faces a difficult task but insisted they are well prepared to deal with the pace of the Wananchi.
Connor singled out Yanga’s attacking line, particularly the presence of striker Peter Shalulile, as one of the main threats his defenders must remain alert to throughout the match.
For Yanga, the main objective is to secure an away victory and put themselves in a strong position ahead of next week’s second leg in Dar es Salaam, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next round.
The match will be broadcast live on Azam TV via Azam Sports 2HD.
