Aziz Ki shines as Yanga defeat Al Hilal, face MC Alger in must-win for CAF knockouts
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Aziz Ki’s brilliance not only secured the victory but also underscored his importance to Yanga’s campaign
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) now face a must-win encounter against Algeria's MC Alger to secure a place in the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League.
This follows their crucial 1-0 victory over Al Hilal Omdurman on January 12, 2025, at the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Yanga’s decisive goal came in the seventh minute, courtesy of Stephane Aziz Ki. He capitalized on a perfectly delivered pass from Dickson Job, unleashing a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area that left the Al Hilal goalkeeper helpless.
Aziz Ki’s brilliance not only secured the victory but also underscored his importance to Yanga’s campaign. This was the Burkinabe attacking midfielder’s second goal of the competition, matching teammate Clement Mzize, who has also scored twice so far.
The win was particularly significant as it avenged Yanga’s 2-0 defeat to Al Hilal in the first leg played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. It also breathed new life into their chances of advancing from Group A.
Yanga will host MC Alger on January 18, 2025, at 4pm East Africa Time at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as Yanga currently sit third in Group A with seven points, trailing MC Alger by just one point.
Al Hilal Omdurman lead the group with 10 points and have already secured their place in the knockout stage, while TP Mazembe of DR Congo are at the bottom with only two points. TP Mazembe will host Al Hilal in their final group match.
Despite their crucial win against Al Hilal, Yanga’s performance revealed areas that need improvement, particularly in finishing. Both Prince Dube and Mudathir Yahaya missed clear opportunities to extend Yanga’s lead, reflecting a lack of composure in decisive moments.
As the countdown begins for their showdown against MC Alger, Yanga must address these shortcomings and capitalize on their home advantage. The passionate Benjamin Mkapa Stadium crowd has often been a driving force for the team, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
With everything on the line, head coach Sead Ramovic will emphasize the importance of maintaining focus, improving finishing, and ensuring a solid defensive performance. A victory against MC Alger will guarantee Yanga’s progression to the knockout stage, but anything less could bring their campaign to an abrupt end. The stage is set for a thrilling finale in Group A.
