Young Africans (Yanga) are set to launch their CAF Champions League group-stage campaign today as they face Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat at the New Amaan Complex Stadium in Zanzibar.
Yanga will be playing at home in what is expected to be a high-pressure encounter, with both sides eager to begin their group-stage journey with a crucial victory.
Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves expressed confidence in his squad, saying his players are fully prepared and in good condition ahead of the match.
“Tomorrow (today) marks our first game in the group stage. Many people call it the ‘Group of Death’ because it contains four strong teams. But if you want to be a champion, you must compete against champions,” he said.
Gonçalves acknowledged the strength of AS FAR Rabat, describing them as a well-organised team with talented players.
However, he insisted that Yanga also have a solid squad capable of matching any opponent, especially with strong support from fans.
“My philosophy is to dominate the game at all costs. I need my players to give everything. My primary objective is for the team to play good football,” he added.
The coach emphasised that today’s result will depend on composure, discipline, and tactical execution, noting that the preparations made give Yanga a fair chance to secure all three points.
Gonçalves also reaffirmed the club’s long-term ambition of winning the CAF Champions League, saying the journey toward that goal is ongoing.
“It doesn’t matter when we lift the trophy, but the ambition must remain. If we keep building this project, we will achieve our objectives. To move forward, we must assess our progress in every game,” he said.