Sundowns are chasing a win in their CAF Champions League Young Africans vs Mamelodi Sundowns clash. The Young Africans (Yanga) of Tanzania will be facing the KaboYellow players on home soil. Sundowns meet Yanga in their quarter-final first-leg match in Tanzania and are in high spirits as far as their domestic run is concerned. Masandawana faces Yanga fresh from a number one finish in the group stages. Coach Rulani Mokwena targets a win to boost their chances of making it to the semi-finals.
For the hosts, Yanga is also touted as banana peels and could upset their hosts on Saturday night. Coached by former Sundowns coach Miguel Gamondi, Yanga plays a similar style of football to Sundowns and they are also confident at home.
Young Africans vs Mamelodi Sundowns Match Details:
Date: March 30, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM SAST
Venue: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Tanzania
Yanga:
Having finished second in Group D behind Al Ahly, the East Africans are looking to upset the favourites, Sundowns, especially in front of their hostile crowds. The Tanzanian giants are also gunning to make it to the Last Four of the continental tournament. The hosts currently sit at the summit of the Tanzanian Premier Lague table with two losses from 17 matches.
Sundowns:
Mokwena’s men are desperate for their second continental gold medal since lifting it in 2016 under coach Pitso Mosimane. Sundowns reached the semi-finals last season as they succumbed to an aggregate defeat to Wydad Casablanca. The Tshwane giants are out to keep their momentum as they are unbeaten in the DStv Premiership.
Yanga vs Sundowns Key Battles To Watch:
Ronwen Williams vs Joseph Gnadou:
Fresh from international duty with Bafana Bafana where they played to a thrilling 3-3 draw away from home, Williams will be key for Sundowns. The number one stopper will be aware of the dangers posed by Yanga hitman, Joseph Gnadou. The 29-year-old will hope to find a goal for them to go to Tshwane in high spirits.
Pacome Zouzoua vs Themba Zwane:
The Sundowns skipper was in scintillating form for Bafana and the creative midfielder will be one of the players to watch in this crucial contest. Mshishi scored a brace against Algeria and Mokwena will count on him for inspiration. In the heart of the park, Zwane will be up in arms against Zouzoua.
Yanga vs Sundowns Head to Head:
Looking at the previous meetings between the two sides, they have met on one occasion and this seems to be the second meeting. In the previous encounter, the two sides were locked in a 3-3 draw in the same competition.
Yanga vs Sundowns Coaches:
Miguel Gamondi:
Formerly in charge of Sundowns and won the league title back in 2006, the Argentine coach faces a familiar foe. However, he cannot say he has an insight into how Sundowns play under Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi.
Rulani Mokwena:
Mokwena targets his maiden Champions League trophy and having lifted the African Football League trophy last year, he is gunning for a top achievement. With his difficult-to-predict tactics, Mokwena will look to silence the hostile crowds in Tanzania.
Yanga vs Sundowns What The Teams Said:
Miguel Gamondi:
“It is my former team. I was champions with Sundowns in 2006, I have a very nice souvenir,” Gamondi tells The Guardian.
“We have this ambition of being top five in Africa, you must compete and, for us, we will be at best to know which is our level. Sundowns like Al Ahly must be in the finals because they are the biggest teams. If you compare the budget of Sundowns to ours, definitely they must be favourites.”
Brian Onyango:
“Champions League is very tough. So any minimal advantage you get while you start away, you grab it with both hands because it helps in the second leg,” Sundowns defender Onyango said.
“They are a good team with top players and their passionate supporters behind them, so we expect a difficult encounter.”
Yanga vs Sundowns Fan Sentiments
Sundowns have been through hostile environments in the African continent such as Egypt and Morocco. The Tshwane outfit is fully aware that heading to Dar Es Salaam means they will be under pressure but their focus will not be distracted. While Yanga are the hosts, Sundowns will look to keep a clean sheet.
Yanga vs Sundowns Prediction:
Masandawana are underdogs as they are the visiting side but Sundowns are vastly experienced in continental football. Based on their experience, the Yellow nation can be able to claim a crucial win.
What’s Next For Sundowns:
After their trip to Tanzania, Sundowns will switch their focus to the league in a match against Richards Bay on Tuesday night at home.
Related: Mamelodi Sundowns Warned About A Tough Outing In Tanzania
