Dar es Salaam. Two teams desperate for their first win in the CAF Champions League group stage will face off this Saturday at Stade du TP Mazembe.
TP Mazembe will host Young Africans at 4:00 PM East African Time.
Mazembe slumped to their first defeat in the competition this season, falling 2-1 against Al Hilal Omdurman on their travels in their last group stage match. Oscar Tshikomb was the sole player on the scoresheet in the loss.
Young Africans for its part, suffered a 2-0 defeat on their travels in their last group stage match against MC Alger.
Mazembe are third in the group on one point, while Young Africans’ zero points place them fourth.
Al Hilal Omdurman are sitting atop the group on six points. MC Alger are second on four points.
For Young Africans, a victory would breathe new life into their campaign, helping them recover from their early setbacks and boost morale for the tough fixtures ahead.
With their attacking struggles well documented, they must find a way to break through Mazembe’s defense to avoid another shutout.
However, a loss would deepen their troubles and leave them with a mountain to climb in the remaining group matches.
Given their lack of goals and a fragile defense, a defeat here could signal the end of their hopes in this year’s competition.
For TP Mazembe, a win would not only give them three much-needed points but also restore confidence in their squad, putting them back in contention for the knockout stages.
However, a loss would not only extend their struggles but also raise concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level, especially on home turf.
In the context of African football, this encounter represents a crucial juncture for both teams.
Mazembe, with their historical success, are under pressure to prove they can still challenge for titles, while Young Africans are looking to establish themselves as serious contenders on the continental stage.
The outcome will not only shape their future in the competition but also affect their standing and morale in African football.
Whether it’s Mazembe’s tradition or Young Africans’ determination to defy the odds, this clash promises to be a critical moment in both teams’ journeys in the CAF Champions League.
When the two sides last met in action, Young Africans won 1-0 in a CAF Confederation Cup group stage match at Stade du TP Mazembe in April 2023.
Faridi Mussa scored the lone goal for Young Africans in the 63rd minute.
Mazembe have been led by Tshikomb in CAF Champions League play.
The striker is the club’s only scorer with one goal, which is tied for the fourth highest among the competition’s top scorers.
Young Africans are still looking for their first goal of the current CAF Champions League campaign.
The visitors have had difficulty in attack of late, as they have gone 180 minutes in all competitions without scoring.
They last found the net against Ethiopia Nigd Bank in a September CAF Champions League match.
Hosts Mazembe played to a draw in their only previous CAF Champions League contest on home soil this season.
TP Mazembe are looking to extend a nine-match home unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Young Africans’ defeat against MC Alger was their only contest on the road to date in the competition this season.
In their last six matches in all competitions, Mazembe have won two, drawn two and lost two.
They scored five and conceded six over that stretch, scoring first in one of the six contests.
All of their goals came after halftime, while their opponents netted once in the first 45 minutes.
Young Africans have won four and lost two in their last six.
They scored 17 and conceded four in that stretch, netting first in one of the six.
They had one goal in the first half, while their opponents failed to find the net before the break.
