Dar es Salaam. Defending champions of the Tanzanian Premier League, Young Africans (Yanga), have reignited their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the prestigious CAF Champions League.
This comes after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sudanese giants Al Hilal in a Group A match played at the Cheikha Ould Boidiya Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania on Sunday (yesterday).
The win has not only boosted the team’s prospects of progressing in the tournament but also given them a much-needed morale boost as they push for a place in the knockout stages.
The match was a pivotal one for both sides, as Yanga entered it with the knowledge that they needed a victory to keep their quarter-final dreams alive, particularly after a disappointing loss to Al Hilal in the first group stage encounter.
The first meeting between the two teams, which took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on November 26, 2024, had ended in a 2-0 defeat for Yanga.
That loss had left the Tanzanian side with a lot to prove, and the stakes for this return match were high.
In a highly charged atmosphere, Yanga came out strong from the outset, seizing an early opportunity to take control of the game.
In the 8th minute, a well-executed move saw Dickson Job feed the ball to Yanga’s star midfielder, Stephane Aziz Ki, who unleashed a powerful shot that beat Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Issa Fofana, to give Yanga the lead.
The goal was a brilliant display of individual skill by Aziz Ki, who demonstrated composure and precision in front of goal to give his team a crucial advantage.
This early breakthrough injected confidence into the Yanga side, who had struggled in their earlier meetings against Al Hilal.
The goal not only gave Yanga a sense of control over the match but also served as an emotional release after the painful defeat in Dar es Salaam.
Al Hilal, on the other hand, found themselves on the back foot after conceding the early goal, and despite their efforts, they were unable to make any significant impact on the scoreboard during the first half.
Throughout the first 45 minutes, both teams showed attacking intent, with several chances created, but the final product was lacking.
Yanga, however, looked the more organized side, dominating possession and dictating the tempo of the game.
The Tanzanian side controlled the ball for 53 percent of the first half, while Al Hilal had just 47 percent possession.
This dominance was reflected in the chances created, as Yanga had three attempts on goal, with one of them finding the back of the net.
On the other hand, Al Hilal struggled to break down Yanga’s defense, despite some dangerous attacking play from their key players, notably Jean Claude Girumugisha, who was one of their most threatening individuals on the field.
The second half saw a more balanced contest, with Al Hilal pressing forward in search of an equalizer.
They came out with renewed energy, desperate to get back into the game, but Yanga’s defense stood firm, with the backline working in unison to neutralize the threat.
The Tanzanian team, though still dangerous on the counterattack, appeared content to protect their narrow lead, playing with discipline and organization.
Their defensive resolve was tested several times, but Al Hilal’s attacks failed to break through.
As the game progressed, the tension on the field was palpable, with both teams knowing that the outcome could have a significant impact on their prospects of advancing in the tournament.
Al Hilal, already having qualified for the quarter-finals with 10 points prior to this match, was looking to extend their lead at the top of the group, while Yanga knew that a win was essential to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Despite Al Hilal’s persistent efforts to find an equalizer, they were unable to breach Yanga’s defense, and the match ended with the Tanzanian side securing a hard-earned 1-0 victory.
This victory was Yanga’s second consecutive win in the group stage, following their impressive 3-1 triumph over TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 4, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
The back-to-back victories have breathed new life into their campaign, and the team now has a realistic chance of advancing to the quarter-finals, just as they did in the previous season.
For Yanga, this win is particularly significant for several reasons.
Not only does it keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, but it also marks their first-ever victory over Al Hilal in CAF competitions, setting a new record for the club.
Under the guidance of German coach Sead Ramovic, Yanga has shown remarkable resilience and tactical discipline, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage.
The win also strengthens their reputation as a team capable of competing with some of the best clubs in Africa.
With seven points in Group A, Yanga will now look to their final group-stage match on January 18, 2025, against MC Alger of Algeria.
MC Alger currently sit a second on the group with eight points, and a win for Yanga in this encounter will ensure that they progress to the next stage of the competition.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for a place in the quarter-finals.
Al Hilal, having already secured their qualification with 10 points, will be looking to finish at the top of the group, but for Yanga, the focus will be entirely on securing the three points they need to advance.
