- Back-to-back Botswana champions Gaborone United will open their African campaign at home on Saturday against Tanzania’s in-form Young Africans SC
GAZETTE REPORTER
Gaborone United will begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign with a demanding preliminary-round tie against Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday at 19:00hrs.
GU enter the encounter as champions of Botswana’s FNB Premiership for the 2024/25 season and are back-to-back champions, having established themselves as one of the country’s leading clubs.
The Botswana champions will have home advantage when they welcome a Yanga side that has already gained momentum from its domestic campaign.
GU Seek Momentum
Football analyst Kagiso Mzambo Kgaogano believes GU’s home advantage could be important, although the club’s limited competitive action could present a challenge.
“Having seen Gaborone United play on Friday, I would say they looked a bit rusty and struggled here and there,” Kgaogano said.
GU have played only one league match so far, recording a 2-1 victory over Prisons. Kgaogano described their performance as “not that convincing.”
Yanga, in contrast, are already in their fifth week of league action and have won all their opening matches.
“They long started the league and they have gained momentum,” Kgaogano said.
Squad Remains Intact
GU will nevertheless enter the continental assignment with much of their squad retained.
Kgaogano noted that the Botswana champions “did not lose a lot of players,” identifying Mpho Kgaswane as the only notable departure.
The club will, however, be without Mothusi Johnson, who is sidelined through injury. Benson Mangolo has replaced him.
For GU, the challenge will be to overcome Yanga’s stronger competitive rhythm while making the most of playing at home.
Yanga Threat
Yanga have scored 15 goals and conceded two in their opening five league matches, underlining the attacking threat GU will face.
Peter Shalulile is among the players Yanga will be hoping can influence the tie. The forward has previously won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns.
“They have Shalulile who has won this competition with Sundowns and his expertise will come handy to them,” Kgaogano said.
GU will also have Thatayaone Kgamanyane as part of their challenge against the Tanzanian champions.
With the Botswana champions having the advantage of home support but less competitive action, Saturday’s encounter will test whether GU can turn familiarity with their surroundings into an advantage against a Yanga side already operating at a higher domestic tempo.