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Yanga bow out of CAF Champions League after draw against MC Alger

What you need to know:

  • Needing a victory to secure qualification, Yanga dominated possession and created several clear-cut chances but failed to convert.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland champions, Young Africans (Yanga), have failed to progress to the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League after a goalless draw against Algeria’s MC Alger at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on January 18, 2025.

The result left Yanga third in Group A with eight points from six matches, one short of MC Alger and Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman, both of whom advanced.

Al Hilal topped the group with 10 points, while Congolese giants TP Mazembe finished bottom with five points.

This marked a disappointing outcome for Yanga, who had reached the knockout stage in the previous edition under coach Miguel Gamondi.

Last season, Yanga were eliminated in the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, this year’s group stage exit denied current head coach, Head Ramovic, a chance to surpass Gamondi’s achievements.

Needing a victory to secure qualification, Yanga dominated possession and created several clear-cut chances but failed to convert.

Clement Mzize and Stephane Aziz Ki were instrumental in their attacking efforts, with Ki delivering incisive passes and Mzize testing the Algerian defense.

Unfortunately, their shots were either saved by MC Alger goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdale or went off target.

Despite Yanga's pressure, MC Alger held firm, relying on their defensive solidity and occasional counterattacks.

Akram Bouras made a few threatening attempts, but Yanga’s goalkeeper, Ibrahim Bacca, delivered an outstanding performance to deny the visitors.

The outcome leaves Yanga contemplating missed opportunities.

The team had high expectations following last season’s impressive campaign, but inconsistent results in the group stage—including key draws and a loss to Al Hilal—proved costly.

Fans at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium expressed disappointment, as the club’s aspirations of repeating or improving on their past successes in Africa’s premier club competition came to an abrupt end.