Yesterday was a special day for Yanga fans at Azam Complex, as they watched their team make history by qualifying for the CAF Champions League group stage for the fourth consecutive season.
The achievement followed a 4-1 victory over Madagascar’s CFFA, which secured the Wananchi an 8-1 aggregate win and confirmed their place in the group stage.
It was also an important occasion as defender and vice-captain Dickson Job made his long-awaited return after an extended spell out with injury.
Job came on in the second half, replacing captain Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto.
Yanga fans had eagerly awaited Job’s return after he had been absent from competitive action since March this year, when he sustained an injury during a league match against Simba at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Job’s return is expected to further strengthen Yanga’s defence, which has seen frequent changes this season. Centre-backs Komara and Mwamnyeto have rotated or played alongside Ibrahim Bacca, whom coach Manqoba Mngqithi rested yesterday after a demanding run of consecutive appearances.
Job will need several matches to regain full fitness, but expectations are that he will not take long to return to his best form.
