DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans SC have set their sights on a dramatic qualification to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals as they head into a decisive final Group B encounter, despite suffering a narrow 1–0 away defeat to Morocco’s FAR Rabat on Saturday.
The Tanzanian champions face a daunting but achievable task when they host Algeria’s JS Kabylie on Sunday at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
To advance, Yanga must beat Kabylie by at least three goals, while also hoping FAR Rabat fail to collect maximum points against Egypt’s Al Ahly in the group’s other crucial fixture.
Despite the setback in Rabat, the Jangwani Street outfit have remained upbeat, with confidence growing within the camp. Club Information and Communications Manager Ali Kamwe struck a defiant tone, insisting qualification remains firmly within reach.
“We will qualify in emphatic fashion in Zanzibar. We are going there to show Africa what the Yanga magic looks like when the team is determined to achieve its objective. Let others do the calculations, that is not our concern. Our focus is simple: We are going to qualify,” Kamwe declared.
N e w signing Allan Okello echoed the same fighting spirit, insisting that the race is far from over and that the team is ready to battle until the final whistle.
“We came with the aim of winning, but luck was not on our side. We created chances but failed to convert them. Now we return home, prepare well for Kabylie and fight for victory. We are still in the competition and we will do everything possible to win because we never know what will happen next,” Okello said.
Meanwhile , African powerhouse Al Ahly have already secured their place in the quarterfinals after collecting nine points from five matches.
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The Egyptian giants were held to a goalless draw by JS Kabylie in Tizi Ouzou, but the result combined with FAR Rabat’s 1–0 victory over Yanga in Rabat was enough to guarantee them a top-two finish in Group B.
FAR Rabat now sits just one point behind Al Ahly with eight points after Anas Bach’s late strike secured victory over Yanga, placing the Moroccan side in a strong position to join the Red Castle in the last eight.
Yanga currently occupy third place with five points, while Kabylie remain bottom with three points.
With everything on the line, Zanzibar is bracing for a highstakes continental showdown.
For Yanga, it is a moment of truth, a chance to unleash their attacking firepower, ignite the passion of their supporters and keep their African dream alive.