Tanzania's historic football giants, Yanga SC, are expected to take to the pitch at Azam Complex in Chamazi tomorrow, Saturday, with one clear objective: to maintain their dominance in recent years and secure a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).
Yanga head into this second-round qualifying encounter determined to bounce back after losing the Kariakoo Derby. However, their record in this stage over the past three seasons gives them plenty of confidence that Madagascar's CFFA will face a formidable challenge.
CFFA will be the hosts for this first-leg match. However, the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in Madagascar has forced them to travel to Dar es Salaam, meaning Yanga will play all 180 minutes of this two-legged tie at home, in front of their own supporters.
Yanga's Record of Reaching the Group Stage in Three Consecutive Seasons
Yanga have demonstrated considerable international maturity by progressing beyond this stage in three consecutive seasons. If they succeed again this season, they will set a record as the first Tanzanian team to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage in four successive seasons.
In the 2023/2024 season, Yanga secured their place in the group stage by defeating Sudan's Al Merrikh 3-0 on aggregate. The Wananchi began with a 2-0 away victory before completing the job at home with a 1-0 win.
The following 2024/2025 season was even more historic, as Yanga thrashed Ethiopia's CBE 7-0 on aggregate. After recording a narrow 1-0 away win, Yanga returned to New Amaan Complex and delivered a crushing 6-0 victory, leaving the Ethiopian side without an answer.
Last season, in 2025/2026, Yanga continued their winning run by eliminating Silver Strikers 2-1 on aggregate across the two matches. They lost the away leg 1-0 before winning 2-0 at home.
Yanga are now chasing another record against CFFA, who were crowned Madagascar champions for the 2025/2026 season.
CFFA should not be underestimated, having reached this stage by eliminating Lesotho's Lijabatho 3-1 on aggregate.
Yanga's Media and Communications Manager, Ally Kamwe, said the squad was ready and highly motivated, adding that the team would approach the match with extra determination after losing their previous encounter against Simba.
"Right now, we are really fired up. We are not dwelling on the previous result; we want to show how champions are expected to play in the Champions League."
With the return leg scheduled to be played at the same venue in Chamazi in the middle of next week, on October 21, a convincing victory tomorrow would put Yanga in a strong position to reach the group stage for the fourth consecutive season.
