YOUNG Africans have received a significant boost ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against TP Mazembe tomorrow, with goalkeeper Djigui Diarra returning to training after being sidelined for approximately two weeks.
Diarra's return is a welcome development for Young Africans head coach Sead Ramovic, who now has more options as several players regain fitness.
Young Africans currently sit at the bottom of Group A in the CAF Champions League, having earned only one point from a 1-1 away draw against Mazembe.
The team had been facing the potential absence of four key first-team players, including their first-choice goalkeeper. However, the situation has improved ahead of the crucial return leg against the Congolese side.
Kennedy Musonda, Maxi Nzengeli, and Chadrack Boka have already returned from injury and resumed training.
Diarra's return further alleviates concerns for Ramovic, who had been under pressure due to his absence.
Diarra (pictured) himself has confirmed that he is feeling well, contrary to earlier fears that he would be out for four to six weeks.
Diarra and Nzengeli were injured in the match in Lubumbashi, and it was initially reported that their recovery would take longer.
However, their return has boosted the morale of the fans, players, and technical bench of the team, which needs a win against Mazembe to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals alive.
Ramovic expressed his happiness about the return of Diarra, Musonda, Nzengeli, and Boka. The coach, who has led Young Africans in eight matches since taking over from Miguel Gamondi, including three CAF matches and five Premier League matches, said that Diarra's absence had been the most concerning, but praised the medical team for their efforts in ensuring his recovery.
"As a team, we are happy about the return of the injured players as we are preparing for an important match this weekend. The first victory is having a full squad," said Ramovic.
"The biggest pressure was on Diarra, but he has returned to training, and I believe he will be part of Saturday's game."
Diarra, who has won several trophies in three consecutive seasons, including two Premier League titles and one Federation Cup, said he is delighted that his condition has improved significantly.
"I am fit to play, my health has improved, and my fans should not worry. Yanga have a large and good squad. We will do well," said Diarra, who had been nursing a muscle injury in his right calf.
The goalkeeper, who played nine Premier League matches and kept seven clean sheets this season before getting injured in the CAF match, has been a key player for Young Africans since joining the club from Stade Malien of Mali in August 2021.
He helped them secure the Premier League title in all three previous seasons, along with three Federation Cups, and won the Best Goalkeeper award last season.
After playing Mazembe, Young Africans will face Al Hilal of Sudan away before hosting MC Alger of Algeria.
In their previous encounters, both Al Hilal and MC Alger secured 2-0 wins against Young Africans.
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