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Dar es Salaam. The spotlight shines brightly on Tanzania as its football giants, Simba and Young Africans (Yanga), gear up for challenging encounters against formidable opponents in the CAF Champions League – Al Ahly from Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
Tonight, on March 29, 2024, at 9 pm East Africa Time, Simba will clash with Al Ahly, while Yanga will take on Mamelodi Sundowns on March 30, 2024, at the same time.
The matches have captured the attention of football enthusiasts across the African continent due to the caliber of teams involved. Both Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns boast impressive records as former champions in continental club competitions.
Simba aims to upset the reigning CAF Champions League titleholders, while Yanga seeks to outshine the champions of the African Football League (AFL).
The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where the matches will be held, emerges as the epicenter of African football attention.
Both Simba and Yanga exude confidence in their ability to triumph over their opponents on home turf.
Simba’s head coach Abdelhak Benchikha, stresses readiness to face Africa’s most successful club and vows to achieve favorable results.
He expresses confidence in his players’ determination to make Tanzania proud.
Marcel Koller, head coach of Al Ahly, acknowledges Simba’s strength but remains optimistic about his team’s prospects.
He said the challenge posed by Simba, recalling their evenly contested fixtures in the 2023 African Football League.
Yanga vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
Yanga’s coach, Miguel Gamondi, expressed satisfaction at facing Mamelodi Sundowns, expressing confidence in his players’ ability to perform at their best and secure a victory.
Gamondi said the importance of demonstrating their skills in the match to bring joy to Tanzanians.
“We are up against a formidable team, but it is a momentous occasion for my players. We consider ourselves equals, and that’s why we’re not intimidated,” said Gamondi.
He said the team’s ambition is to rank among Africa’s top five, a goal requiring challenging encounters with strong opponents to gauge their abilities.
“Football fans must understand that once the referee blows the whistle, it’s 11 against 11,” he said.
For his part, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena, admitted the challenge posed by Yanga, stressing the need for his team to remain focused and determined to secure victory.
He recognized Yanga as a formidable opponent, particularly under the guidance of experienced coach Miguel Gamondi, who possesses deep knowledge of the club’s philosophy due to his previous association with Mamelodi Sundowns.
“It is going to be a tough match,” said Mokwena.
In Lubumbashi, Angola’s Petro de Luanda braces for a tough encounter against former champions TP Mazembe, who are eager to reclaim continental glory.
Additionally, Ivorian powerhouse Asec Mimosas faces Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
Super Sunday promises an exciting lineup in the CAF Confederation Cup, with all four quarter-final matches scheduled. Defending champions USM Alger face Nigeria’s Rivers United, while Ghana’s Dreams FC travels to face Mali’s Stade de Malien. Former champions RS Berkane challenge Abu Salem in Libya, marking a significant moment for Libyan football.
The highlight of Super Sunday features the Egyptian derby, as Zamalek aims to end their continental trophy drought against newcomers Modern Future FC in what anticipates being a thrilling encounter.
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