Silver Strikers have secured a place in the second round of CAF Champions League qualifying after eliminating Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus on the away goals rule, setting up a blockbuster clash with Tanzanian powerhouse Yanga SC.
The Central Bankers progressed despite two closely contested matches against their Malagasy opponents. After earning a crucial 1-1 draw away in Mauritius, Silver Strikers held their nerve in a goalless encounter at home to advance on away goals.
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Their reward is a daunting encounter with Tanzania’s continental heavyweights, Yanga SC, who demonstrated their class by dismantling Angola’s Williete FC with ruthless efficiency. The Citizens showcased their continental pedigree with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory, following up their impressive 3-0 first-leg triumph in Angola with a controlled 2-0 victory at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Yanga’s quality was evident in their second-leg performance, where influential playmaker Pacôme Zouzoua broke the deadlock in the second half after a cagey opening period. Aziz Andabwile sealed the comprehensive victory with a late strike, confirming their passage to the final qualifying round.
The Tanzanian giants bring impressive CAF Champions League credentials to this matchup, having reached the quarterfinals last season where they pushed South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns to a penalty shootout. Their continental experience and recent form make them formidable opponents for the Malawian champions.
Silver Strikers head coach Etson-Kadenge Mwafulirwa remains focused on preparation rather than getting ahead of himself with the scale of the challenge ahead.
“As of now we can’t start talking about Yanga SC, we will need to prepare thoroughly. We will have to analyze how they play and see if we can compete with the resources that we have,” said Mwafulirwa, acknowledging the step up in quality his team faces.
For Silver Strikers, this represents their biggest continental test and an opportunity to announce themselves on the African stage against one of East Africa’s most successful clubs.
The first leg is scheduled for the weekend of October 17-19, with the exact date to be confirmed by CAF.
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