DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans reignited their hopes of advancing to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals with an electrifying 3-1 victory over TP Mazembe at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam today.
It was a thrilling display from the hosts, with Clement Mzize’s stunning brace and a powerful goal from Stephane Aziz Ki lighting up the night for Young Africans fans.
Despite a promising start by Mazembe, who struck early with a goal from Alioune Faty, the Tanzanian side bounced back emphatically, leaving the crowd roaring in delight.
This crucial win has propelled Young Africans to four points, lifting them from the bottom to third place in Group A. Meanwhile, TP Mazembe now finds themselves at the foot of the table with just two points. The stakes are higher than ever in Group A, with the battle for the quarterfinals heating up.
Al Hilal, leading the group with a commanding nine points, are on the verge of sealing their spot in the next round. A victory in any of their remaining three matches would guarantee their qualification.
The race for the second spot remains fiercely contested, with MC Alger (second with four points), Young Africans (now third), and TP Mazembe (fourth) all vying for a place in the knockout stage. The drama is far from over, and the fight for a quarterfinal ticket promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The yesterday’s match began with TP Mazembe taking the lead in the 16th minute through an unexpected source—goalkeeper Alioune Faty.
The drama unfolded when Young Africans’ fullback Chadrack Boka, in a desperate attempt to halt Ibrahim Keita’s break into the box, lunged in late, taking the Mazembe wingback down.
The referee wasted no time pointing to the spot. In an astonishing twist, Faty, the keeper, stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty, sending the ball into the net and stunning the crowd.
The early blow didn’t deter Young Africans, though. They quickly regrouped and pressed for an equalizer.
In the 20th minute, a clever one-two between Clement Mzize and Stephane Aziz Ki almost bore fruit, but Mazembe’s keeper was quick off his line to deny them.
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Six minutes later, Dube came close with a header from Pacôme Zouzoua’s cross, but his attempt went wide.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, courtesy of a stunning strike from Clement Mzize. After receiving an assist from Boka, Mzize took a few strides, scanned the space, and launched a fierce, long-range shot that rocketed into the net.
Mazembe’s towering goalkeeper flew through the air, but the ball whizzed past him, crashing into the net. It was a strike of sheer class—an arrow that left no chance for the keeper.
Young Africans, reinvigorated by the goal, continued their surge. Both Pacome and Aziz Ki had chances to put them ahead before halftime, but Mazembe’s goalkeeper stood firm, ensuring the scores remained level. The match had come alive—pulsating, unpredictable, and filled with moments of brilliance.
The second half saw Young Africans come out with renewed energy, and their efforts quickly paid off as they added more goals to their tally.
Aziz Ki doubled Young Africans’ lead in the 56th minute with a moment of brilliance. Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Khalid Aucho, Ki calmly controlled the ball, then, with the goalkeeper charging toward him, he skillfully turned and spotted an opening between the goalkeeper’s legs. With a composed touch, he slotted the ball through, extending his side’s advantage.
But the Young Africans weren’t finished yet. Just four minutes later, in the 60th minute, Mzize added a third goal, completing his brace for the day.
He latched onto an assist from Prince Dube and made no mistake, ensuring the Heroes’ dominant performance was firmly etched in the scoreline. The match was a testament to their offensive prowess and clinical finishing.
