YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) have received a timely boost ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League Group B encounter after striker Clement Mzize was named in the squad that travelled to Morocco for the return fixture against AS FAR Rabat.

Mzize’s inclusion marks a significant milestone in his season, following a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to injury that had kept him out of action for several months. The forward had been unable to feature regularly since the arrival of head coach Pedro Goncalves, despite being regarded as one of the most promising attacking talents within the Young Africans setup. 

His absence was a blow to both the player and the club, particularly at a time when Young Africans were seeking consistency in front of goal on the continental stage.

However, after completing his recovery and returning to full fitness, Mzize (pictured) has now been cleared to rejoin the first team squad. His return has been rewarded with a place on the plane to Rabat, underlining the confidence the technical bench has in his readiness to contribute during one of the most demanding phases of the season.

The striker’s comeback provides Young Africans with renewed depth and flexibility in attack as they prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter against the Moroccan giants. AS FAR Rabat, known for their physical strength and tactical discipline at home, will pose a stern test, making squad depth and attacking options crucial for the Tanzanian champions.

Mzize now links up with established forwards Prince Dube and Laurindo Dilson, popularly known as Depu, giving coach Goncalves a wider range of choices in the final third. The trio offers contrasting qualities, with Dube’s physical presence, Depu’s pace and directness, and Mzize’s movement and finishing ability potentially complementing each other. 

This attacking variety could prove vital as Young Africans look to unlock a disciplined AS FAR defence.

The decision to include Mzize in the travelling squad also signals the coach’s belief that the striker can play a role, whether from the start or off the bench, in elevating Young Africans’ attacking threat. In high stakes matches such as this, fresh legs and different attacking profiles often make the difference, particularly in the latter stages of the game.

Young Africans head into the Rabat clash fully aware of what is at stake. The return fixture against AS FAR is a pivotal moment in their Group B campaign, with qualification for the quarter finals still very much within reach. The Tanzanian champions are expected to adopt a disciplined yet ambitious approach, aiming to balance defensive solidity with clinical attacking play. 

Although the match is anticipated to be tough, Young Africans have made it clear that they are travelling to Morocco with belief and determination. The players and technical staff are focused on fighting for every ball and capitalising on any opportunity that arises, knowing that a positive result away from home would significantly strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

For Young Africans, however, the Rabat trip is only part of the equation. After the February 7 away encounter against AS FAR, the club will conclude their group stage campaign at home against JS Kabylie on February 13 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. Those two fixtures represent a clear and realistic pathway to the quarter finals, provided the team maintains composure, consistency, and tactical discipline.

The current standings in Group B highlight how finely balanced the contest remains. Defending champions Al Ahly lead the group with eight points, while Young Africans sit third on five points, level with AS FAR Rabat. JS Kabylie trail the group with two points. With two rounds of matches remaining, the margins for error are slim, and every point carries significant weight.

Against this backdrop, the return of Mzize could prove to be a timely lift for Young Africans. Beyond his individual qualities, his presence adds competition within the squad and injects fresh motivation as the team pushes toward its continental objectives. As Young Africans step onto Moroccan soil, the message is clear  they are determined to fight until the very end, with all available resources deployed in pursuit of a historic run in the CAF Champions League.