Africa-Press – Tanzania. YOUNG Africans Head Coach Pedro Goncalves says he is confident his side can secure a positive result against JS Kabylie in their upcoming CAF Champions League Group B encounter in Algeria but stressed the need to approach the match with discipline and caution.
Speaking before the team’s departure from Julius Nyerere International Airport, Goncalves said, “We know JS Kabylie is a strong team, having won the African Champions League title twice, but we have a solid squad and the necessary expertise to get a good result.”
Yanga’s 24-man squad left for Algeria yesterday ahead of the second group stage match. This is the same squad that secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against FAR Rabat of Morocco in their opening game at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The travelling squad includes goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra, Khomeny Abubakari and Abdultwalib Mshery.
Defenders: Dickson Job, Ibrahim Hamad Abdulla ‘Bacca’, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mohamed Hussein, Frank Assinki, Chadrack Boka and Israel Mwenda.
Midfielders: Mudathir Yahya, Duke Abuya, Mohamed Doumbia, Moussa Bala Conte, Lassine Kouma, Edmond John, Offen Chikola, Pacome Zouzoua, Max Nzengeli, Celestine Ecua, Aziz Andabwile and Sheikhan Ibrahim Hamisi.
Forward: Prince Dube and Andy Boyeli. Clement Mzize has remained as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Goncalves confirmed that all players are in good health and emphasised the importance of arriving early to adjust to local conditions. “We need to arrive early to let our players acclimate to the climate and get some rest. We are ready for this challenge,” he said.
Yanga currently sits second in Group B, trailing Al Ahly. After winning their first match against FAR Rabat, they will need another victory in Algeria to secure a strong position in the group and boost their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Last season, Yanga finished third in Group A with eight points, behind MC Alger of Algeria and Al Hilal of Sudan, missing out on the knockout stage.
While Goncalves remains optimistic about his team’s prospects, he insists that the players will remain cautious and focused, respecting JS Kabylie’s pedigree while aiming to replicate their strong home performances in the away leg.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
