YOUNG Africans will clash with DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in a pivotal CAF Champions League Group A match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium today.

The match, set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. East African Time, is a must-win for both teams as they seek to revive their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.

Young Africans head coach Sead Ramovic (pictured) expressed confidence ahead of the high-stakes encounter, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by TP Mazembe but remaining optimistic about his team’s chances.

“I know we are facing a big challenge ahead. The opponent is a very tough side, but I am sure we will manage to win and bring happiness to our fans. I am confident we will secure the three points tomorrow,” Ramović said.

Young Africans are currently enduring a challenging campaign in Group A. After three matches, the Jangwani-based team has only managed to secure one point, placing them at the bottom of the table. 

Their solitary point came from an away 1-1 draw against TP Mazembe, while the other two matches ended in defeat.

Group leaders Al Hilal of Sudan have set the pace with nine points, followed by Algeria’s MC Algiers with four points. TP Mazembe sit third with two points, leaving Young Africans in desperate need of a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Young Africans technical bench and club management have been working to turn the tide. Their goal is to restore the team’s reputation on the continental stage after a disappointing start to their group stage campaign.

The club’s Media and Communication Officer, Ali Kamwe, shared a sense of optimism ahead of the critical match, emphasizing the team’s readiness and the return of key players.

“The team is well-prepared and ready to face TP Mazembe. We are aiming for a win to secure crucial points that will help us improve our standing in the group,” Kamwe said.

Kamwe also confirmed the return of influential players Clatous Chama and goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, both of whom have recovered from injuries. Their availability is expected to bolster the team’s performance in this decisive encounter.

The match will be officiated by a team of referees led by Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall from Mauritius, with assistants Ram Babajee and Aswet Teeluck, and fourth official Noris Aaron Arissol from Seychelles.

Looking ahead, Young Africans’ group stage campaign continues with an away match against Al Hilal Omdurman on January 10, 2025. The Tanzanian giants will then conclude the group stage with a home fixture against MC Algiers on January 17, 2025, also at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

TP Mazembe, five-time CAF Champions League winners, are also under pressure to deliver a positive result. With two points from their three games, the Congolese side is in third place and needs a win to stay in contention for a spot in the knockout rounds.

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is expected to be a fortress of support for Young Africans, with thousands of passionate fans rallying behind their team. 

Despite their challenging position, the fans remain hopeful that the home advantage and the team’s recent improvements will lead to a vital victory.