Yanga get one foot in group stage
ADDIS ABABA : YOUNG Africans secured a 1-0 victory against Ethiopian club, CBE SA, in their campaign to secure a spot in the CAF Champions’ League group stage at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
The two teams will determine the winner based on aggregate score, with Yanga having a strong start after the away win.
The second leg match will take place at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on September 21st to decide which team advances to the next round.
Yesterday’s match-deciding goal came at the last grip of the first half as Zimbabwean striker, Price Dube, completed a well taken assist from Stephane Aziz Ki to break the deadlock.
Despite several missed opportunities earlier in the match, Dube’s goal proved crucial for the Tanzanian envoys.
Yanga’s midfield dominance was evident throughout the game; thanks to their relentless pressing that saw them win numerous duels and control the tempo of the match.
CBE SA, while conceding the lone goal, showed commendable spirit, particularly in the second half. The hosts created several chances, exploiting the wings with their full-backs’ forward runs. However, their efforts to capitalise on the opportunities fell short, leaving them with work to do in the return leg.
For CBE SA, this represents a historic opportunity as it is their maiden voyage into the Champions League, following their Ethiopian Premier League title win last season. Their previous CAF Confederation Cup campaigns in 2005 and 2010 ended in the first round, marking this as a significant milestone.
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Yanga, meanwhile, are looking to build on last year’s success, where they reached the quarterfinals before being knocked out.
Yanga’s strong performance is crucial as they remain the sole Tanzanian representatives in this year’s competition.
Azam FC’s early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Rwanda’s APR, coupled with the subsequent dissolution of their technical bench led by Senegalese coach Youssouph Dabo, has left Yanga carrying the national flag alone.
