Dar es Salaam. Yanga SC’s aspirations of reaching the CAF Champions League quarterfinals remain alive, but their journey is now in a perilous state following a heart-stopping 1-1 draw against TP Mazembe today, December 14, in Lubumbashi.
The Tanzanian giants, who were desperate for a positive result after suffering two consecutive defeats in the group stage, found salvation in the dying moments of the match thanks to Prince Dube’s late equalizer.
The draw ensures that Yanga still has a slim chance of progression, but with only three group-stage games remaining, they must win all of them to advance.
The match was an emotional rollercoaster for Yanga, who found themselves under intense pressure throughout the first half.
TP Mazembe, one of the most successful clubs in Africa, dominated the early stages, pressing high and controlling possession.
Yanga’s defense was shaky and lacked the usual cohesion that had characterized their campaign last season under former coach Miguel Gamondi.
In the 41st minute, Cheikh Fofana capitalized on a lapse in concentration from the Yanga defense to score and give Mazembe a 1-0 lead.
To make matters worse for Yanga, their goalkeeper Diarra Djigui was injured just before halftime and had to be substituted, adding to the mounting pressure.
As the second half began, Yanga seemed to come alive after several tactical changes from their coach, Sead Ramovic.
Despite the early loss of Djigui, who had been a key figure in keeping Yanga in the game, Ramovic introduced fresh legs with Abubakar Khomeiny, Clement Mzize, and Stephane Aziz Ki all coming on.
The change brought a renewed energy to the team, and for the first time in the match, Yanga began to look dangerous going forward.
However, despite showing more promise in attack, Yanga struggled to convert their chances.
Players like Pacome Zouzoua and Mzize had opportunities to find the back of the net but were unable to execute with the required precision.
With the game edging towards its conclusion, Mazembe looked set to celebrate their first win of the group stage.
The home side, having already suffered a defeat to Al Hilal and drawn with MC Alger in earlier matches, were eager for a much-needed victory.
But just when it seemed that all hope was lost, Prince Dube emerged as the hero.
The striker, who had gone 13 matches without scoring, including 11 in the Tanzanian Premier League and two in the Champions League group stage, scored a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time.
Dube, who had struggled to make an impact throughout the match, capitalized on a mistake from the Mazembe defense, latching onto a loose ball and calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
The late goal sent Yanga’s bench into raptures, with the players and coaching staff acknowledging the significance of the moment.
That single point could prove crucial in Yanga’s quest to reach the knockout rounds, as it keeps their qualification hopes alive.
With just one point from three matches, they now have three remaining games to play—against TP Mazembe (at home), MC Alger (at home), and Al Hilal (away), and they must win all three to have any chance of progressing.
Any further slip-ups could condemn Yanga to an early exit, making the upcoming fixtures a make-or-break moment in their continental campaign.
Despite the vital point gained today, the match highlighted several key issues for Yanga.
Since the departure of Miguel Gamondi and the arrival of Sead Ramovic, the team’s play has noticeably lacked the fluidity and intensity that was a hallmark of their previous performances.
The high-paced, pressing football that characterized Yanga’s attacking game under Gamondi seems to have vanished, and under Ramovic, the team has struggled to replicate that same energy and dynamism.
In today’s match, Yanga’s midfield was easily overrun at times, and their possession game was ineffective.
Although Khalid Aucho returned to the starting lineup after missing two matches, and Dickson Job was also included, the team still looked disjointed, especially in the attacking third.
Their pressing game, once their strength, seemed to have lost its sharpness, and they were unable to impose themselves on the opposition as they had done in previous seasons.
Mazembe, on the other hand, were far from convincing but showed their experience in continental competition.
The home side pressed high, trying to capitalize on Yanga’s mistakes, and they were clinical in taking the lead.
However, despite their dominance in possession and the early breakthrough, they were unable to hold onto their advantage, which allowed Yanga to snatch the point they so desperately needed.
Looking ahead: The final three matches
As Yanga heads into their next fixture against TP Mazembe at home next week, the pressure will be immense.
The team cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to keep their quarterfinal dreams alive.
The upcoming match will be crucial, and a victory would go a long way in boosting Yanga’s confidence heading into their final two games against MC Alger and Al Hilal.
Both MC Alger and Al Hilal, the group leaders, will present a significant challenge.
Al Hilal, who have been in strong form, remain a major threat, and a win against them will be essential for Yanga if they are to progress.
However, for Yanga to stand any chance of making it through to the knockout rounds for a second consecutive season, they will need to rediscover their attacking flair, tighten up defensively, and find the consistency that has been lacking since the departure of Gamondi.
The road to the quarterfinals is far from clear for Yanga, but their dramatic draw today against Mazembe has given them a glimmer of hope.
With everything still to play for, it will take a collective effort, tactical discipline, and mental fortitude to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
If they can replicate the resilience shown in the dying moments of today’s match, they might just pull off an improbable qualification.
For now, Yanga’s Champions League journey remains on a knife’s edge—one that will ultimately be determined in the final three games of the group stage.
