Young Africans: Tanzanian Club Stranded at Airport After Bus Breaks Down Ahead of Clash vs Sundowns

• Yanga SC's bus broke down near OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa
• The reigning Tanzanian champions are in Pretoria for a CAF Champions League tie
• They are set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial second-leg quarterfinal clash

Young Africans encountered a frustrating setback upon their arrival in South Africa as their transportation, arranged by hosts Mamelodi Sundowns, experienced a breakdown merely 5 kilometres away from OR Tambo International Airport.

Arriving in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning, April 2, after departing from Dar es Salaam at 7:00 am, Yanga had planned a seamless transition to their hotel in Pretoria post-landing.

However, their plans were abruptly interrupted when the Sundowns-provided bus malfunctioned a short distance from the airport.

With assistance from their Embassy in Pretoria, Yanga officials arranged alternative transport to ensure the players reached their hotel safely, as reported by Far Post.

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The reigning champions of Tanzania travelled to Pretoria for the CAF Champions League quarter-final showdown against Masandawana, having battled to a goalless draw in the first leg in Dar es Salaam.

Intense Yanga vs Sundowns second leg expected

Both teams are gearing up for a decisive encounter at Loftus Stadium on Friday, April 5, with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm (South African Time).

Notably, injured players Pacome Zouzoua, Kouassi Attohoula Yao, Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, and Tanzanian international Kibwana Shomari were included in the travelling squad after missing the initial encounter. Coach Miguel Gamondi will be banking on their availability as they aim to upset the Brazilians on their home turf.

In the absence of suspended captain Themba Zwane during the first leg, Sundowns faced additional challenges, with Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Rivaldo Coetzee sidelined due to injuries. Head coach, Rulani Mokwena, acknowledged this but commended his players' commitment.

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“He’s the captain of our team, an important part of our team and of course, we missed him a little bit today, but everyone tried, I’m happy with the commitment and effort, especially in the second half,” said Mokwena, as quoted by iDiski Times.

Yanga president sends warning to Sundowns

Sports Brief reported that Yanga president, Hersi Saidi, stated the tie vs Sundowns was not over.

The South African giants dominated possession at a jam-packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium but couldn't create enough chances to get a vital away win.

The hosts, cheered on by tens of thousands of fans, produced several golden opportunities, but Ronwen Williams stood tall in goal.