Harambee Stars international Duke Abuya has reflected on challenging but promising debut for Yanga against Augsburg.
Kenya international Duke Abuya was filled with mixed reactions after Yanga crumbled to a 2-1 defeat against Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in the opener of the Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup on Saturday.
Abuya, who recently made the switch to Tanzanian giants Yanga from Singida Big Stars, joined Timu ya Wananchi on a season-long loan from Kenya Police FC.
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09:30 - 21.07.2024
MLS: Victor Wanyama watches from the sidelines yet again as Montreal fall short to Toronto
Wanyama remained on the bench for the second match in succession as Montreal lost 1-0 to FC Toronto.
Despite the disappointing defeat, the former Kariobangi Sharks player expressed gratitude for making his debut having come on in the second half of the match.
"It was difficult, but we adapted as the game went on. We have a good team, and with the way my colleagues play, it was easy for me to gel with them in the short time I have been here. I thank God for the performance we put in as a team," Abuya stated.
Reflecting on the match Abuya was optimistic about the future.
"What I can promise our fans is that there is more to come from us in the league. I have bonded well with the rest of the team.
"I have a lot more to offer together with the team in the coming matches," he noted.
The match saw FC Augsburg take the lead in the 37th minute through Mads Pedersen, who fired a shot from the edge of the box that slipped through the hands of Yanga goalkeeper Diarra.
Augsburg extended their lead in the 82nd minute when Phillip Tietz tapped the ball into the far post from a Masaya Okugawa assist.
Despite a late goal from Jean Baleke Yanga could not recover and Augsburg secured a 2-1 victory.
Abuya's debut is seen as another stepping stone in his glittering football career.
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19:02 - 20.07.2024
John Makwata close to uniting with Kenyan coach at Tanzanian club
Kenyan striker John Makwata has been lured to Tanzania after an impressive second half in the FKF Premier League with Kariobangi Sharks.
Last season, he played 28 out of 30 matches in the Tanzanian Premier League, accumulating a total of 2339 minutes and contributing to eight goals, with four goals and four assists.
Abuya can play as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks providing Yanga with valuable options in the middle of the park.
However, Abuya acknowledges the challenges ahead.
"There is stiff competition in the midfield, but I am determined to take my game to the next level with the reigning Tanzanian champions," he said.
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18:04 - 20.07.2024
Kenya Police linked with Senegalese striker as Tito Okello replacement
Following the exit of South Sudan striker Tito Okello, Kenya Police FC are reportedly set to sign a prominent Senegalese forward.
Yanga, who will also be competing in the 24/25 CAF Champions League, have high ambitions this season aiming to surpass their previous quarterfinal finish.
Abuya's addition is part of a strategic effort to bolster the squad ahead of the new season.
He become the sixth player unveiled by Yanga, joining a roster of new signings that includes Clatous Chama from rivals Simba SC, Prince Dube from Azam FC, Chadrack Issaka Boka from Congolese side St Eloi Lupopo, Khumeiny Aboubakar, and Aziz Andambwile from Singida Big Stars.
The Tanzanian champions have been active in the transfer market, reinforcing their squad to maintain their dominance in the league and to make a significant impact in the CAF Champions League.
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