AS the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds intensify, Young Africans are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against Burundi’s Vital’O FC.

With a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg, the Tanzanian champions are now urging their loyal supporters to fill the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam for the decisive second leg, scheduled for Saturday, August 24, at 7:00 pm.

The club’s information and communication manager, Ally Kamwe, has issued a passionate plea to the fanbase, emphasizing the importance of a packed stadium to create an intimidating atmosphere for their opponents, which could be crucial in securing their progression to the next stage of the tournament.

“Our hope is to fill Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for the match against Vital’O,” Kamwe stated. “We also have great motivation to perform well, thanks to the support from our Honorable President Samia Suluhu Hassan, affectionately known as ‘Goli la Mama.’”

Kamwe highlighted the significant role that President Samia’s motivation has played in the team’s performance this season. The President’s initiative, which includes a financial reward for each goal scored by Tanzanian teams in continental competitions, has provided a significant boost to Young Africans. 

Following their dominant 4-0 victory in the first leg, Young Africans received a Tsh 20 million incentive, as President Samia had pledged Tsh 5 million for each goal scored.

“The motivation from our President started at the very beginning of the season,” Kamwe added. “Right now, we’re calculating how many goals we need to score to maximize the reward. The funds from ‘Goli la Mama’ can even cover our workers’ salaries,” he added.

Kamwe also acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that the team’s focus is not only on their performance but also on supporting their fellow Tanzanian clubs participating in continental competitions.

The first leg of the tie, played at the Azam Complex, saw Young Africans dominate Vital’O FC with a convincing 4-0 victory. The team’s new signings, Prince Dube and Clatous Chama, made an immediate impact, both finding the back of the net. Goals from Clement Mzize and Stephane Aziz Ki rounded off the comprehensive win, setting the stage for a potentially decisive second leg.

With one foot already in the next round, Young Africans are determined to secure their place in the lucrative group stages of the CAF Champions League. However, the team remains focused on the task at hand, knowing that the job is not yet complete.

The aggregate winner between Young Africans and Vital’O FC will advance to face either SC Villa of Uganda or Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank in the second preliminary round. The victor of that tie will secure a spot in the group stages, scheduled to take place between October and December.

Young Africans’ commanding performance in the first leg has showcased their potential to make a deep run in this season’s CAF Champions League. As the team prepares for the second leg, the support of their fans will be crucial in creating the atmosphere needed to propel them to the next stage of the competition.

With the backing of their passionate supporters, Young Africans are poised to take another step towards achieving their continental ambitions as they face Vital’O FC in what promises to be an exciting and crucial encounter.