Yanga’s mastery on display as African giants advance

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) showcased their continental prowess after demolishing Burundi's Vital'O with a 6-0 victory in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier.

This dominant performance in Dar es Salaam sealed a staggering 10-0 aggregate win, marking the most significant margin among the 14 completed ties so far.

At the heart of Yanga’s triumph was Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama, who delivered a standout performance with a goal and four assists.

The rout began early, with Ivorian forward Pacome Zouzoua converting a 14th-minute penalty after Vital'O was reduced to 10 men.

Yanga continued to exert their dominance as Clement Mzize, Chama, and Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube added to the scoreline.

Vital'O’s challenges worsened when they were reduced to nine men following another red card.

Taking full advantage, Yanga secured the win with two additional goals from Burkina Faso’s Stephane Aziz Ki and Yahya Mudathir.

This comprehensive victory sets up a highly anticipated East African clash in the final qualifying round, with Yanga set to face Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian side moved forward after a 1-1 draw at home against Uganda's Villa, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

Elsewhere on the continent, Morocco's Raja Casablanca, former African champions, made a statement with a 5-0 thrashing of Niger's AS Garde Nationale.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg, Raja cruised into the next round with goals from Mohamed Zrida, Nawfal Zarhouni, Mohamed Boulacsout, Adam Ennafati, and Saber Bougrine.

In a gripping contest, Cote d'Ivoire's Stade d'Abidjan knocked out Senegal's Teungueth FC on penalties after both legs ended 1-1.

Stade d'Abidjan held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4, ending Teungueth’s aspirations of reaching the group stage.

Egyptian side Pyramids FC continued their commanding form, following up a 6-0 first-leg win over Zanzibar’s JKU with a 3-1 victory in the return leg.

Pyramids, aiming to join Egypt's elite Champions League winners like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily, now face a challenging test against APR of Rwanda.

APR secured their spot with a 2-0 home win over Tanzania's Azam, overturning a first-leg deficit to progress 2-1 on aggregate.

Goals from Jean Bosco Ruboneka and Gilbert Mugisha set up a rematch with Pyramids, who decisively defeated APR 6-1 in Cairo last season.

Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy also made headlines by edging out African Stars of Namibia on penalties after their tie ended 1-1 on aggregate.

Omaatla Kebatho’s goal leveled the score, and Galaxy kept their cool to win the shootout 6-5.

They will now face South Africa's Orlando Pirates, whom they upset in last season's competition.

With more second-leg ties scheduled, including AS FAR Rabat's effort to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Nigeria's Remo Stars, the journey to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stages is set to deliver more thrills and excitement in the coming weeks.