CAFCL: Young Africans ready to conquer ‘many things’ after exit – Goncalves

Young Africans head coach Pedro Goncalves has stated the conclusion of the CAF Champions League journey does not mark the end of the team’s ambitions this season.

The Citizens failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the lucrative competition despite securing a 3-0 final group fixture win against JS Kabylie of Algeria at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania on Sunday, February 15.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Young Africans Sports Club (@yangasc)

Young Africans finished third in Group B

Despite the win, Yanga finished third with eight points while record African champions Al Ahly of Egypt, and AS FAR of Morocco qualified after finishing first and second in Group B. Yanga managed two wins, two draws, and two defeats.

“We are here to continue with the challenge. Maybe not in the Champions League now, but we still have many things to conquer. The league and the cup are very competitive, and we remain fully focused on those competitions,” the former Angola coach told the Guardian.

“The Tanzanian league is growing a lot. Step by step, the conditions are improving, and I believe Tanzania can achieve a better position in African football.”

‘I am very proud of the players’

On Yanga failing to qualify, Goncalves said: “My first words are pride; pride for this club, pride for this team, pride for my players, pride for my coaches, pride for the staff, and pride for the supporters who are always here pushing us and believing in us.

“We always focus on our performance, not only today but always. We concentrate on what we need to do and try to improve match by match. During the preparation for this game, we designed a clear plan, and the boys delivered a wonderful performance.”

He added: “Perhaps in the end people will say we didn’t qualify from a group with three big clubs in Africa, considering the conditions they have. But I am very proud of my players and very proud of this club. This club wants to reach higher levels and is fighting hard for that.

“I believe all the people of Tanzania should be proud of Young Africans. This is football. Only those who challenge themselves with big objectives can reach big places. If you don’t dare to compete at the highest level, you never grow.”

Al Ahly topped the group with 11 points, followed by AS FAR on nine, leaving Young Africans in third place.