Yanga must cross over Al Ahly hurdle

Yanga have in possession all the time in the world to rectify their mistakes ahead of the return leg tie to be played in either Cairo or Alexandria next weekend.

It’s very evident that the Tanzanian soccer side will have to endure a torrid moment amid anticipated intimidation while in Egypt, but either side will field an equal number of eleven players during the match.

With equal opportunity, the Tanzanian team has the chance to progress into the lucrative stage of the continent’s club championship.

The away goal rule might be detrimental for Yanga but they also can cancel it during the second leg provided they have the will and determination to win the game.

Wide open intimidation is always expected based on the tradition of most of the Northern African countries when it comes to football contests.

However, intimidation cannot win matches though referees can play huge role to influencing the results. All in all, a job must be done to oust the Egyptian club which will certainly be a major highlight and biggest upset of this year’s CAF Champions League edition.

Victory over the Egyptian team at their very backyard must be worked out by adequate preparations. With quality players and coaches amid incentives coupled with determination, there is no reason as to why Yanga should fail to cross over this football hurdle.

If Yanga managed to stretch the same team to post-match shootout during the 2014 CAF Champions League edition, why should they fail to cross the hurdle this time around especially with a squad that is fully beefed up.

It has been over a decade now since the last Tanzanian team featured in the CAF Champions League’s lucrative last eight stage, therefore, both Yanga fans and the rest of Tanzanians are still waiting for the much needed breakthrough.

Yanga have to prove their status as champions of this country by edging out their counterparts from other countries particularly Egypt that has dominated continental soccer for decades.

Losing at this stage of the championship with increased frequency, is to a high degree very disappointing. A step ahead is needed to prove Yanga’s status as true champions and not a push over side.

Football fans will only be appreciating and become confident that Yanga won the Mainland championship legally and competitively if the team can make progress in the continental league like this one.

Throwing all the efforts in fighting to win domestic premiership will be of no use if the success attained is not reflected at international football platforms.

It has been many occasions that Yanga have failed to cross past National Al Ahly and this losing culture must be put to bed with progression into the next round of the CAF league this time around.