Gamondi hoping to dash Belouizdad hopes on nostalgic return

Young Africans coach Miguel Angel Gamondi admits he hoped to avoid an emotional TotalEnergies CAF Champions League reunion with former club CS Belouizdad on Friday.

The Argentine spent memorable years nurturing Belouizdad's youth talent before taking charge of Tanzanian giants Young Africans last year.

Now he returns seeking to defeat his ex-side in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group B opener.

"I did not wish to face Belouizdad given the wonderful years I had there," Gamondi confessed pre-match.

Off-field troubles have impacted preparations, with delayed equipment forcing alterations to training plans after a taxing trip from Tanzania.  

But Gamondi believes if Young Africans can overcome tired bodies and minds, they can secure a vital away result.

"We will give our best to get the best possible result to pave our way towards qualifying," he outlined.

Gamondi still holds Belouizdad warmly in his heart from coaching their future stars. 

However, he knows conquering his formative club would give Young Africans early impetus in a tough section also containing Al Ahly.

So while as youth coach he helped nurture Belouizdad's next generation, now Gamondi must strategise their downfall.

Starting Group B by toppling Algerian champions who have impressed recently would soon ease Gamondi's nostalgic anguish.