In a sharp contrast, the city of Dar es Salaam is calm barely few hours before Tanzania champions, Young Africans ‘Yanga’ plays DR Congo giants, TP Mazembe at the 60,000 capacity National Stadium on Tuesday everning.
Yanga remain calm after a 1-0 loss to MO Bejaia in Algeria in the opening game of group A whilst Mazembe beat Ghanaian side, Medeama 3-1 in Lubumbashi to top the group.
Yanga remain calm after a 1-0 loss to MO Bejaia in Algeria in the opening game of group A whilst Mazembe beat Ghanaian side, Medeama 3-1 in Lubumbashi to top the group.
The Dar es Salaam based team were camped in Turkey ahead of the clash and arrived in the city last Sunday, the same day that visitors Mazembe touched down. The Tanzanians held a similar training camp in Turkey in the build-up to the group phase opener away to Algerian debutants MO Bejaia.
Yanga right back, Juma Abdul who missed the last game against Bejaia due to an ankle injury, says they are well prepared to face Mazembe in their quest to revive their campaign after an opening day loss.
“Losing the opening game does not mean we will also loose to Mazembe. No! We are well prepared to win the game,” he declared in a confident tone.
“We know Mazembe is a big opponent. They are well organized and determined. They won the CAF Champions League last year because they were the best team. We have to play them with caution,” added Juma, who is racing against time to be fit for the crucial encounter.
Yanga will miss its three key men, left backs, Mwinyi Haji and Oscar Joshua as well as their top striker, Amissi Tambwe due to suspension and injury.
Yanga coach, Hans Van der Pluijm is adamant that his new signing, Obrey Chirwa from FC Platinum of Zimbabwe will cover Tambwe gap in the striking force.
Yanga right back, Juma Abdul who missed the last game against Bejaia due to an ankle injury, says they are well prepared to face Mazembe in their quest to revive their campaign after an opening day loss.
“Losing the opening game does not mean we will also loose to Mazembe. No! We are well prepared to win the game,” he declared in a confident tone.
“We know Mazembe is a big opponent. They are well organized and determined. They won the CAF Champions League last year because they were the best team. We have to play them with caution,” added Juma, who is racing against time to be fit for the crucial encounter.
Yanga will miss its three key men, left backs, Mwinyi Haji and Oscar Joshua as well as their top striker, Amissi Tambwe due to suspension and injury.
Yanga coach, Hans Van der Pluijm is adamant that his new signing, Obrey Chirwa from FC Platinum of Zimbabwe will cover Tambwe gap in the striking force.
Yanga signed the Zambian forward, Chirwa for a record fee of 100,000 USD and become the expensive player in its squad ahead of Rwanda national team captain Haruna Niyonzima who penned the new deal last year for a reported 70,000 USD.
“Chirwa (Obrey) is doing fine and possibly he will cover Tambwe's absence. I can’t confirm but all the strikers are working hard too,” said Pluijm.
The Dutch born tactician is determined that if his players will follow his training thoroughly they have a big chance to win but also argue them not to underestimate Mazembe, the five times African Champions League winners.
“If everyone follows what I told them in training we can do better. A home game is more important for us but Mazembe is no little opponent, we have to play them with caution,” noted Pluijm.
“Chirwa (Obrey) is doing fine and possibly he will cover Tambwe's absence. I can’t confirm but all the strikers are working hard too,” said Pluijm.
The Dutch born tactician is determined that if his players will follow his training thoroughly they have a big chance to win but also argue them not to underestimate Mazembe, the five times African Champions League winners.
“If everyone follows what I told them in training we can do better. A home game is more important for us but Mazembe is no little opponent, we have to play them with caution,” noted Pluijm.
By: Cafonline.com
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