Tall Order for Yanga in Tunisia
YOUNG Africans have to put extra weight to stamp good results in their return leg match in Tunis after they were held to a barren draw by Club Africain in the CAF Confederation Cup’s playoff match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
To advance to the tournament’s playoff stage, the Tanzanian envoys must win away in Tunisia or else eliminated.
It was a competitive game, with both teams, Young Africans and Club Africain showing a high level of discipline from defence to the mid of the terrain.
Apart from showing a competitive game, Yanga made a few attempts in that game, but none of the attempts gave them a goal.
Among the opportunities Yanga created was in the 13th minute through Yannick Bangala, who completed an excellent set-through from Djuma Shabani. Still, it had no effect against their opponents, as it went wide.
The first half ended with a goalless draw. However, Yanga entered the second half and took more possession of the ball than their guests.
Despite having more possession, they did not challenge Club Africain, as the Tunisia envoy cleared each attempt Yanga created.
In the 63rd minute, Fiston Mayele completed a nicely set-through from Bernard Morrison to score, but the referee ruled out the goal following a foul committed before the scoring attempt.
Mayele had a chance in the 70th minute, where he hit a firm strike, but the Club Africain goalkeeper stood firmly to save.
Club Africain made two dangerous attempts in the late minutes through their winger Mehdi Ouedherfi and Adennour Iheb, but none broke the deadlock.
After yesterday’s clash, the two teams play a return leg tie in Tunisia on Wednesday next week in the match that will decide who deserves a ticket to play in the tournament’s group stage.
Yanga are representing the country in the Confederation Cup after failing to make a breakthrough in the last 16 of the CAF Champions League after the 2-1 aggregate loss to Al Hilal of Sudan.
As such, this is the only chance for them to make it big on the international scene bearing in mind that they have a quality squad capable of driving them further ahead.
The Jangwani Street giants’ target was to play in the group stage, and what happens after that will be a bonus to them.
Before yesterday’s game, Yanga said the most crucial ingredient to shine in international matches is to make full use of the home venue by stamping a convincing victory that will simplify the return match.
