YOUNG Africans head coach Miguel Gamondi has stressed the need for clinical finishing from his players ahead of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round return leg against Ethiopia's CBE SA.

Despite securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, Gamondi was frustrated by his team's inability to convert several clear-cut chances.

The first-leg win was courtesy of a goal from Prince Dube, but key players like Max Nzengeli, Clatous Chama, Stephanie Aziz Ki, and Dube missed opportunities that could have extended the lead. 

Gamondi (pictured) has now called on his squad to be more ruthless in front of goal to secure their position in the next round.

Speaking about the missed opportunities in Addis Ababa, Gamondi expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to improve. 

“We had enough chances to make it a bigger win, but that’s football. What matters is that the players recognize the need to capitalize on these chances, and we’re focused on that for the return leg,” he said.

In the lead-up to the decisive home game, Young Africans intensified their training sessions, focusing particularly on goal-scoring techniques. 

The coaching staff has worked closely with attackers and midfielders, providing personalized guidance to improve their finishing ahead of the crucial match slated for tomorrow at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

“We’ve done a lot of work on scoring. I’m impressed with how our players are responding, and I believe we’ll put on a strong performance in front of our fans,” Gamondi added. 

“Everyone is committed to making up for the missed opportunities in Ethiopia.”

Young Africans, who are aiming to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season, are coming off the back of a dominant 10-0 aggregate win over Burundi's Vital'O FC in the first round. 

Their confidence has grown after a historic run to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals last season, where they were ultimately eliminated by South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns.

With a motivated squad and a strong home advantage, Young Africans are determined to continue their impressive journey and make an even deeper impact in this year’s competition.