YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) will return to action today in the Federation Cup Round of 64, taking on Copco FC at the KMC Complex. The match kicks off at 4:00 PM EAT.

Young Africans head into this match seeking redemption following their recent disappointment in the CAF Champions League, where they were eliminated qualifying to the quarterfinal stage by MC Alger after a goalless draw in the last group stage match, having needed a win to progress. 

Now, the team will look to use today’s encounter as an opportunity to rebuild confidence and reignite their winning momentum.

Head coach Sead Ramovic (pictured) has emphasized the team’s focus on defending their Federation Cup title. 

Last season, Young Africans emerged victorious in the competition, and they are determined to replicate that success this year. 

Speaking ahead of the match, Ramovic expressed his confidence in his squad and their ability to perform.

“Our goal is to win tomorrow’s game against Copco and ultimately retain the Federation Cup,” said Ramovic. “It’s not just about having 11 great players; all 25 players in our squad are exceptional and ready for this match.”

Ramovic also acknowledged the importance of treating every opponent with respect, including Copco FC. 

“We may not know much about our opponents, but we respect them. We are well-prepared and focused on achieving a positive result,” he added.

On the other side, Copco FC’s head coach, Lukas Mlingwa, admitted that his team is aware of Young Africans’ individual and collective strengths but remains optimistic about exploiting their weaknesses. 

Mlingwa emphasized that his team is prepared to give their best and challenge the reigning champions.

“We know Yanga’s quality as a team and the talent of their individual players, but we also understand their vulnerabilities. We will do our best to capitalize on those weaknesses,” Mlingwa stated.

After today’s match, Young Africans will shift their focus back to the Premier League, where they have a busy schedule ahead. 

On February 1, they face Kagera Sugar, followed by a clash against KenGold on February 5, and a game against JKT Tanzania on February 10.

Young Africans will aim to maintain their strong form in domestic competitions as they continue their quest for glory on all fronts.

As defending champions of the Federation Cup, Young Africans understand the expectations that come with their status. 

Their journey begins today against Copco FC, and the players, technical bench, and fans are all eager to see the team deliver a commanding performance.

Today’s match offers Young Africans an opportunity to not only advance to the next round of the competition but also to boost morale and showcase their championship ambitions. 

Meanwhile, in the wake of the CAF Champions League elimination, Young Africans head coach Ramovic, faced criticism over his comments on the quality of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League. 

The club’s Media and Communication Officer, Ali Kamwe, has clarified that Ramovic’s remarks were misunderstood by many stakeholders, who took to social media and sports programs to debate the issue.

“Many people misinterpreted what the coach said. He did not call the Tanzanian league weak; instead, he was referring to the urgency and intensity of play in the league’s matches,” Kamwe explained.

He noted that Ramovic’s use of the term “intensity” was misconstrued. 

“Intensity refers to the speed, urgency, and response during a game both when a team has possession and when it doesn’t. It has nothing to do with the quality of the league. 

“For example, the English Premier League has more intensity compared to the French Ligue 1, but that doesn’t make the French league weak,” Kamwe elaborated.

He urged analysts and stakeholders to approach the discussion with a better understanding. 

“The quality of the league and the intensity of play are two different things. Some analysts and stakeholders are misleading the public by criticizing our coach unfairly. 

“The difficulty we face against Tanzanian teams isn’t as high as that in leagues like Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, or Tunisia, where teams play with more intensity and speed. We need to adapt to that level of competition to succeed internationally,” he added.

Kamwe also reflected on the team’s performance in the CAF Champions League, attributing their exit to a below-par display in their final match. 

“It was a bad day for us. We didn’t play at 100 percent of our capacity. I spoke to the players after the match and told them I wish we had performed at even 60 percent of the level we showed against Al Hilal Omdurman in Mauritania. 

“MC Alger barely survived at Mkapa, but that’s football some days are good, and others are not,” he remarked.