Yanga are expected to return today from Morocco following their 1-0 defeat to AS FAR in the fifth round of the CAF Champions League Group B.
Once the squad arrives, there will be no time to waste as Pedro Goncalves’ men must immediately begin preparations for their decisive clash against JS Kabylie scheduled for Sunday, February 15.
Mathematically, Yanga still have a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals, although they will depend partly on the result between Al Ahly and AS FAR.
A win for Al Ahly would open the door for Yanga to qualify, but the Tanzanian side will need to win by at least two goals or more to maximize their chances.
The biggest task for coach Goncalves in the few remaining days will be to sharpen his attacking line, particularly in converting chances.
In the match against AS FAR, Yanga had the opportunity to score more than two goals had their forwards been more clinical in front of goal.
In the upcoming match, there will be no room for excuses—if Yanga fail to win, even an AS FAR defeat to Al Ahly would not be enough to see them through.
JS Kabylie will have nothing to lose in that fixture, as they have already lost hope of progressing, meaning they are unlikely to adopt a defensive “park-the-bus” approach.
It is expected to be an open game, with plenty of scoring opportunities created at both ends.
Forwards Depu, Dube, and Clement Mzize will need to improve their finishing to ensure Yanga capitalize on their chances.
