HIGH expectations surround Young Africans SC (Yanga) midfielder, Pacome Zouzoua, as anticipation builds for his potential appearance in the club’s upcoming CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.

However, uncertainty looms over the Jangwani Street side’s right-back Kouassi Attohoula Yao and midfielder Khalid Aucho due to lingering injuries the two have had.

Zouzoua, currently with Ivory Coast’s national football team, was among the substitutes in the squad’s recent FIFA Series friendly against Benin held in Amiens, France, and ended in a 2-2 draw.

Despite not featuring in the match, Zouzoua trained diligently with the team and is expected to participate in the Ivorian national team's upcoming fixture against Uruguay in Lens.

Ally Kamwe, Yanga’s Information, and Communication Manager provided clarity on his club's injury situation ahead of the crucial quarterfinal clash scheduled to kick off at 9 pm.

“We are optimistic that Pacome will join the squad on Saturday. Despite not playing in the friendly against Benin, he has been training with the Ivorian national team in France and was on the substitutes’ bench. We anticipate his return after the Uruguay match,” Kamwe disclosed.

While Zouzoua’s potential return boosts Yanga’s morale, the condition of another Ivorian player, Yao, remains uncertain ahead of the pivotal Saturday encounter.

Yao, grappling with thigh sprains, has been instructed by the club’s medical team to undergo two days of rest before undergoing further evaluation to determine his fitness for the match.

“Yao’s recovery status remains uncertain for Saturday’s match as he requires additional medical assessment after the rest period. It’s a fifty-fifty chance for his participation,” stated a club source.

Nevertheless, Yanga’s technical bench remains prepared with alternative options for Yao’s position.

“We have competent players who can step in for Yao. While his absence is a setback, it will not deter us from delivering a strong performance against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday,” Kamwe added.

Addressing reporters, Kamwe highlighted the progress of certain players’ recovery, indicating that Zawadi Mauya has commenced training and is poised for the game, whereas Kibwana Shomari’s fitness stands at 60 percent, awaiting further training sessions.

“Zouzoua and Khalid have made significant strides in their recovery, with their fitness levels exceeding 80 percent, and they have resumed training. However, Kouassi Yao remains at a 50/50 status due to ongoing concerns about his health,” Kamwe affirmed.

Yanga’s upcoming fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns marks the commencement of the quarterfinal stage of the CAF Champions League, with both teams vying for a spot in the coveted semi-finals of the premier continental tournament.