Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says the weather and pitch conditions played a major role in preventing his team from securing victory in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round clash against Gaborone United.
The match, played at Botswana National Stadium two days ago, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Seleman Mwalimu scoring a late equaliser for Yanga.
Speaking shortly after the squad returned to Dar es Salaam earlier today, Mngqithi said the match was not difficult because his team dominated for most of the game, while their opponents had just one clear opportunity from a free-kick, which they converted.
“The match was not difficult; perhaps we could have won. Our opponents got an early opportunity in the first half and scored from a free-kick.”
“I think the weather and the pitch were a challenge for us. I was not happy with the result because I wanted to win, but I am satisfied that my team scored an away goal,” Mngqithi said.
Yanga faced challenges even during preparations for the match, as heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms fell a day before the game, disrupting their plans to hold their final training session at the match venue.
Strong winds and cold weather also persisted throughout the 90 minutes, while the match was further marred by incidents that appeared to suggest alleged acts of superstition by the hosts, as well as time-wasting.
The Yanga squad is now preparing for the return leg, which will be played on Saturday, September 12, at Azam Complex, with Yanga Head of Information and Communications Ali Kamwe declaring the day “Sele Day.”
