Young Africans, APR target CAF Champions League group stage

CECAFA representatives Young Africans SC and APR FC will be all out to try and make their return legs count later today and qualify for the group stage of the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

The Tanzania Premier League reigning champions stopped Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC (CBE) 1-0 in the first leg of the second preliminary round, and will be hungry to win this afternoon when the two teams face-off again at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Miguel Gamondi, the Young Africans SC head coach has made it clear that his team must go out and look for early goals. “We must improve and look for more goals because this match is crucial,” added the coach.

But Sisay Kebede Kumbe, the CBE coach has also made it clear that they have come for a serious mission. “We know how we must handle Young Africans,” added the coach.

Rwanda’s APR FC who drew 1-1 against Pyramids FC in the first leg in Kigali also have yet another chance to try and get to the group stage when they battle the Egyptian side at the 30 June Stadium in Kigali.

Darko Novic, the APR FC coach has made it clear that they must take the scoring opportunities they create, but also play and defend as a unit. “The team is looking very motivated and ready for the match,” he added.

After losing the first leg match by a big margin, Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC will face a tough task against African giants Al Ahly later today at the Cairo International Stadium. The Egyptian side won the first leg 3-0 last weekend in Nairobi.

Somalia’s Dekedeha FC who suffered a 4-1 defeat in the first leg will also be in action against the same Esperance de Tunis side.

On Sunday two Sudan Premier League sides Al Hilal and El Merriekh will also be in action as they hope to secure places in the group stage. Al Hilal who picked a 2-2 draw in the first leg will host Ivory Coast’s San Pedro FC in Mauritania, while El Merriekh who also drew 2-2 in their home match played in Juba will take on Morocco’s AS FAR at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.