THIS Wednesday evening, the spotlight falls on Jamhuri Stadium, where Dodoma Jiji FC faces a formidable challenge against Federation Cup holders Young Africans SC, alias Yanga, with a coveted spot in the quarter-finals at stake.

Dodoma Jiji FC, the plucky underdogs, face the herculean task of stopping Yanga’s march towards the quarterfinals – a feat not achieved by any team since 2015 when the Federation Cup was relaunched.

The Dodoma club progressed through the first two rounds by overcoming NBC Championship League's side Biashara United 2-1 and non-league side Magereza Dar 1-0.

Head coach Francis Baraza said he has a full troupe of players available after an extended break allowed the full recovery of his injured soldiers.

For goals, Baraza will look to January Jabir, Hassan Mwaterema, and Christian Zigah to inspire his side to an upset triumph.

Yanga, meanwhile, heads into this clash on the back of a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns though they lost the penalty kick shootout last weekend.

As a result, Miguel Gamondi’s men are unbeaten in their previous six matches across all competitions, losing just two of their last 20 encounters.

In the Federation Cup, Yanga thrashed non-league side Hausung 5-1 in the first game before crushing Championship side Polisi Tanzania 5-0 in the round of 32 played last month. 

Averaging five goals per game in the Federation Cup this season, Yanga’s men will back themselves to outscore their bitter rivals on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the mid-week encounter, captain Bakari Mwamnyeto, encouraged the 12th man, made up of the outfit's fans popularly known as 'Wananchi', to grace the team with their presence at Jamhuri Stadium

"We are asking our fans to come in large numbers to support us because this is their team and we are ready to fight to defend our Federation Cup title," Mwamnyeto said.

The bulk of the Yanga senior stars are in good nick ahead of Wednesday's encounter, whereby Pacome Zouzoa could be one of a handful of marquee names to return to the first XI- a list that also ought to include fit-again midfielder Khalid Aucho.

Yanga claimed a league double over the Capital City side last season.

The most recent clash was in early February when a late goal from midfielder Mudathir Yahya handed the Dar es Salaam side a narrow 1-0 home win.

In all, the teams have clashed in seven league matches since 2020/21. Yanga has claimed six wins, while just one match has been drawn.