Gobabis: Young African FC manager Maleagi Ngarizemo remains hopeful of turning things around after his team's 2-0 defeat to Royal Leopards of Eswatini in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday. The Gobabis-based side lost 2-0 to Royal Leopards in Francistown.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngarizemo expressed dismay over his team's finishing in the last match, as his team prepares for the second leg of the tie set for Friday. "Of course, we are disappointed that we lost the first leg, and we fail to find the back of the net despite them scoring twice against us," said the manager.

Ngarizemo said the team had a very good first half, which he felt they should have won. The first-half scoreline was goalless, before Leopards converted twice in the second half. "We wasted two clear-cut chances. Leopards had the same chances, and they used them very well," he said.

However, Ngarizemo stressed that it is not yet over, as the team has regrouped and is looking forward to the second leg on Friday. "We will push for an early goal. We have regrouped, and we will definitely push for victory," he said. He added that the mood in the camp is good and there are no injuries so far. "We will make changes to the starting eleven here and there," Ngarizemo said.

On his part, Young African FC captain Ngaitone Kaindjee said that despite the defeat, the team is now motivated and confident of turning things around. "Our management spoke to us and motivated us to focus on the second leg. This will be a new game," he said. Kaindjee added that there was a bit of confusion with the new coaching staff. "We are not used to their approach, and we are used to Mally's approach as far as the playlist concerned," said the captain.