YOUNG Africans Sports Club will take on Ethiopian’s CBE SA tonight in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., with Young Africans holding a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg, thanks to a solitary goal by striker Prince Dube.

Young Africans head coach, Miguel Ángel Gamondi (pictured), has expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the crucial encounter. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Argentine coach emphasized the importance of the game and the readiness of his team.

“The condition of my players is good. We’ve prepared very well, and we’ve had enough time to get ready,” Gamondi said. “I have great players who can perform better than our opponents. I know my players understand the significance of qualifying for the group stage.”

Reflecting on the first leg in Addis Ababa, Gamondi acknowledged his team’s failure to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities but maintained that the ability to create chances was a positive indicator of the team’s capability. 

“In the last match, we missed a lot of chances. But as a coach, I know that happens. The important thing is that we have a team capable of creating opportunities,” he said. “Tomorrow, we must be clinical and convert the chances we get. I don’t want to put pressure on my players because of those missed chances, but the focus will be on making sure we capitalize on the opportunities we create.”

Gamondi’s belief in his players is shared by his squad, particularly defender Ibrahim Hamad, who is optimistic about the team’s chances in Zanzibar. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Hamad said: “We thank God that most of the players are in good health and I am very happy that this game is being held here in Zanzibar. We have high hopes for the match.”

The second leg fixture in Zanzibar is poised to be a decisive encounter, with both sides battling for a spot in the group stage of CAF Champions League competition. 

Young Africans come into the match with a narrow 1-0 lead, courtesy of Dube’s goal at the stroke of half-time in the first leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia. Despite the slim margin, Young Africans remain optimistic about their chances of advancing.

For Young Africans, this game is an opportunity to secure back-to-back group stage appearances in the CAF Champions League. Last season, the Jangwani Street-based side made it all the way to the quarterfinals, only to be narrowly eliminated by South African heavyweights, Mamelodi Sundowns. After two hard-fought legs, the tie was settled by a tense 3-2 defeat in a penalty shootout at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

This time around, Young Africans are determined to surpass last season’s achievements, with the group stage just 90 minutes away. A win or even a draw will be enough to see the Tanzanian champions progress, while CBE SA will need to overturn the first-leg deficit to keep their own continental ambitions alive.

Both teams have been working hard in their preparations for the second leg. Young Africans have the advantage of a strong support base in Zanzibar, with their players expressing excitement about the atmosphere. The New Amaan Complex Stadium, which is known for its electric crowd, is expected to be packed with Young Africans supporters.

The Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) has already set ticket prices for the game, making it accessible for fans of all types. VIP tickets are priced at 30,000/-, while Wings tickets are being sold for 20,000/-. Urusi section tickets are available for 15,000/-, Orbit tickets are priced at 10,000/-, and the most affordable seats in the Saa section are going for 5,000/-.

With such competitive ticket prices, the match is expected to draw a massive crowd, adding to the already intense atmosphere. The Amaan Complex has a reputation for being a fortress for home teams, and Young Africans will be counting on the energy of their fans to help push them over the line.

As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The outcome of tonight’s match will determine whether Young Africans continue their CAF Champions League journey or if CBE SA pulls off a stunning comeback. All eyes will be on Zanzibar’s Amaan Complex as the two sides battle for a place in the next stage.