Yanga SC stars send strong message in CAF competition
What you need to know:
- Each of the players proved his worth by scoring two goals in both legs against Burundi’s Vital’O, ensuring that Yanga advanced to the second preliminary round on 10-0 goal aggregate
Dar es Salaam. Yanga’s stars Stephane Aziz Ki, Prince Dube, Clatous Chama, and Clement Mzize have sent a strong warning to their CAF Champions League rivals.
Each of the players proved his worth by scoring two goals in both legs against Burundi’s Vital’O, ensuring that Yanga advanced to the second preliminary round on 10-0 goal aggregate.
Both legs were held at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, where Yanga’s attacking prowess was on full display.
The first leg saw Yanga dominate Vital’O with a clinical performance, and the return leg was no different.
Apart from the outstanding performances of these four, Yanga also benefited from goals by Pacome Zouzoua and Mudathir Yahya, further highlighting the team’s depth and collective effort.
Aziz Ki, Dube, Chama and Mzize found the back of the net in both matches, contributing eight of Yanga’s 10 goals, proving their key role in the team’s success.
Dube, a sharpshooter with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, continued his rich vein of form.
His clinical finishing was evident as he calmly slotted home in both legs, ensuring that Yanga maintained their dominance.
Dube’s performance has been a testament to his ability to deliver in crucial moments, making him one of the most reliable forwards in the squad.
Aziz Ki, known for his flair and creativity, opened his goal account in the first leg, setting the tone for Yanga’s attacking onslaught.
His ability to weave through defenders and create scoring opportunities was a nightmare for the Vital’O backline.
In the return leg, Aziz Ki once again demonstrated his importance to the team by netting in a crucial goal that further deflated the spirits of the Burundian side.
Chama, a midfield maestro, showcased his leadership and experience by dictating the pace of the game. Chama’s vision and passing accuracy were the key to breaking down Vital’O’s defence.
The Zambian midfielder emerged the architect of Vital’O’s downfall as apart from scoring, he also provided four assists in a virtuoso performance.
His goals in both legs were a product of his intelligence on the ball, finding pockets of space and capitalizing on them with precision.
Mzize, a rising star, has quickly become a fan favourite with his energetic displays.
His goals in both legs highlighted his growing confidence and ability to perform on the big stage.
His contribution has added depth to Yanga’s attack, making them a more versatile and unpredictable team.
The 10-goal aggregate is not just a testament to Yanga’s attacking power, but also a record-breaking feat in this season’s CAF Champions League, making them the only team that advanced to the next round with such a commanding margin.
Yanga’s victories have overshadowed the performance of other teams in the competition, and they are now gearing up for their next challenge against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the second preliminary round.
The winner of this tie will secure a place in the coveted group stage of the competition.
Last season, Yanga made it to the knockout stage but were controversially eliminated by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties.
This time, the Jangwani Street giants have set their sights on going even further, with the ultimate goal of lifting the CAF Champions League trophy.
With their current form and the stellar performances of their key players, Yanga are well-positioned to make a deep run in the competition and bring glory to Tanzanian football.
