With the NBC Premier League temporarily on hold to accommodate the FIFA international calendar, the attention of football fans across Africa is now turning to the race towards AFCON 2027.
But if you want to see which club currently has a major presence on the international stage, look no further than Yanga. This time, the Jangwani giants have sent a wave of 12 players to different national teams, with their stars expected to play important roles in their respective starting line-ups.
First, with Tanzania’s ‘Taifa Stars’, Yanga have provided a significant part of the team’s backbone. The defensive wall formed by Ibrahim Bacca and captain Bakari Mwamnyeto will face the tough task of keeping Guinea-Bissau’s attackers at bay on September 25 at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, before travelling to Casablanca to face Madagascar.
In midfield, Mudathir Yahya is expected to continue playing a key role, while left-back Mohamed Hussein ‘Zimbwe Jr’ and forward Seleman Mwalimu are also expected to be important figures for the Stars.
Although Tanzania are co-hosts of the tournament and have already qualified automatically, these matches will provide an important test of their readiness ahead of the tournament scheduled for June 2027.
Beyond Tanzania, significant attention will be on Group G, where Yanga fans will witness a unique ‘Jangwani Derby’. Comoros’ Hussein Zakouane will come face-to-face with Namibia’s dangerous striker Peter Shalulile on September 29.
It will be an intriguing battle, as the two players who normally work together to bring joy to the Wana-Jangwani will become opponents for 90 minutes as they represent their respective nations.
Shalulile carries Namibia’s hopes as the ‘Brave Warriors’ begin their campaign against Congo, while Zakouane will start by helping Comoros face Cameroon.
In Kenya, versatile midfielder Duke Abuya has been called up to help Harambee Stars in a difficult group featuring South Africa and Guinea. Kenyans will be hoping he can make an impact against Eritrea and Guinea.
Mali’s goal will be under the secure protection of Yanga’s first-choice goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra. Diarra, who has been in excellent form, will be in goal as Mali face Cape Verde and Liberia.
In Zambia, attacking midfielder Albert Kangwanda will have the task of facing Algeria in a match scheduled for September 29. Kangwanda is the only player from a Zambian club represented in the NBC Premier League to have been called up to the Zambia national team.
The large number of Yanga players selected for national team duty not only brings recognition to the club, but also serves as an indication of the growing level of football in Tanzania and the ability of local clubs to attract high-quality players from across Africa.
