Dube stars as Yanga edge closer to CAF Champions’ League group stage
What you need to know:
- Yanga's winning goal was scored by Prince Dube in the 45th minute, following a precise pass from Stephane Aziz Ki.
Dar es Salaam. Football giants Young Africans (Yanga) are on the verge of qualifying for the CAF Champions’ League group stage after their 1-0 victory over the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on September 14, 2024, at the Addis Ababa Stadium in Ethiopia.
Yanga's winning goal was scored by Prince Dube in the 45th minute, following a precise pass from Stephane Aziz Ki.
The result means that Yanga only need a draw in the return leg to qualify for the group stage for the third time. The second leg will take place at the Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar on September 21, 2024, at 8:30pm.
Despite scoring the only goal, Dube was criticized for missing three clear chances during the match.
The striker, who joined Yanga from Azam FC, appeared to lose concentration in front of goal and refrained from celebrating his goal, instead apologizing to the technical bench for his missed opportunities.
The Zimbabwean striker was substituted in the 65th minute, with his place taken by Clement Mzize, who also missed two scoring chances.
Mzize's first miss came in the 70th minute when his header went wide after a good cross from Shadrack Boka. Two minutes later, he shot off-target following a pass from Pacome Zouzoua.
Other notable misses came from Maxi Nzengeli in the 58th minute and Mudathir Yahya in the 69th minute, whose shot was blocked by a CBE defender.
Pacome Zouzoua missed a clear chance in the 82nd minute after being set up by Yahya, and Clatous Chama also shot wide following a pass from Mzize.
CBE made few attempts to attack, but Yanga’s defens led by Ibrahim Bacca, Bakari Mwamnyeto, and Dickson Job, Boka, holding midfielder Khalid Aucho, and goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was solid and cleared all dangerous threats.
Monastir, Enugu Rangers secure hard fought wins
In other CAF Champions League action, Nigerian side Enugu Rangers hosted Sagrada Esperanca of Angola, securing a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal by Kazwem Ogunleye in the 78th minute.
The win gives the Nigerians hope ahead of the return leg in Angola next weekend.
Meanwhile, Monastir from Tunisia welcomed Algerian team MC Alger in a closely contested match.
Despite starting as the stronger side, the visitors conceded an unfortunate own goal by Ayoub Ghezala, which was the only goal of the game.
The return leg in Algeria is expected to be tough next weekend.
