Thursday, February 10, 2011

Troubled Yanga vow to sparkle in Addis Ababa

Source: The Citizen, 09 February 2011
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans are expected to leave for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today for the Africa Confederation Cup, return leg match against Dedebit SC on Sunday.

Yanga, who were forced to a 4-4 home draw by the Ethiopia team in the first leg match early this month, need a win of at least one clear goal or a draw of five goals in Addis Ababa to sail through.

And newly-recruited coach Sam Timbe will be unfortunate not to have at his disposal four key players, who are battling against injuries they sustained during their Mainland Premier League matches.

The players are Stephano Mwasika, Nurdin Bakari, Athuman Idd and Fred Mbuna, who will not travel to Addis Ababa with the team.

Injury-plagued striker Shamte Ally, Nelson Kimath, Salum Telela and Bakari Mbegu will also miss the crucial match due to similar problems, according to the Ugandan tactician.

In an interview with The Citizen yesterday, Timbe named the players who will make the trip as goalkeepers Yaw Berko and Ivan Knezevic, defenders Shadrack Nsajigwa,Abuu Ubwa, Ibrahim Job, Nadir Haroub, Isaac Boakye and Chacha Marwa.

Others are mildfielders Godfrey Bonny, Ernest Boakye, Omega Seme, Juma Seif and Kigi Makasi. Also in the list are strikers Nsa Job, Davies Mwape, Idd Mbaga, Jerryson Tegete and Yahya Tumbo.

Officials who will accompany the team are club chairman Lloyd Nchunga, information officer Louis Sendeu, Charles Mngodo and head of delegation Athuman Nyamlani.

The list also has Timbe’s assistant Fred Felix Minziro, team manager Salvatory Edward and physician Juma Sufian.

Timbe, now in his first week in charge of the Jangwani street outfit, said he was optimistic his team would notch up the victory they need to cruise into the next stage of the continental championship.

“Take it from me, we’ll overcome Dedebit at their own backyard and sail through. We’ve already addressed all the shortcomings we noted during our first leg match, and my team will be all out for a win on Sunday,” the Ugandan said confidently.

On his part, team captain Shadrack Nsajigwa said he and his team mates were physically, tactically and psychologically well prepared for the Addis Ababa clash.

Should they see off the Ethiopia team, Yanga will book a date with Haras El Hodood of Egypt in the next stage.

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