Yanga, the reigning Tanzanian Premier League champions, have made history in the new era of the CAF Champions League by securing a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time.
Their remarkable journey to the knockout stage was highlighted by a commanding 4-0 victory over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in Dar es Salaam.
With this win, Yanga reached a total of eight points in the group stage, establishing an insurmountable three-point lead over their Algerian counterparts, with only one match remaining.
Their success is a testament to their determination to replicate last season’s impressive performance when they reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup, albeit falling short to Algeria’s USM Alger by a narrow margin. This year, their sights are set on achieving similar success in the Champions League.
The recent triumph over CR Belouizdad served as sweet revenge for Yanga, who suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first leg encounter in Algiers. Mudathir Yahya, Stephane Aziz Ki, Kennedy Musonda, and Joseph Guede were the heroes of the day, securing a resounding victory for Wananchi.
In Group D, Yanga has recorded two wins and two draws, positioning them just one point behind leaders and record champions Al Ahly. The upcoming clash against Al Ahly in Cairo will determine the group winner, with both teams separated by a single point.
Meanwhile, arch-rivals Simba SC are also in contention for a spot in the quarterfinals but must wait until the final day of the group stage. Following a goalless draw against Ivory Coast’s Asec Mimosas, Simba finds themselves in second place in Group B.
To secure their spot in the quarterfinals, Simba must defeat Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy at home by a significant margin. However, last year’s finalists Wydad Athletic Club also have their eyes on advancement after a 1-0 victory over Jwaneng.
In Group A, both TP Mazembe and Mamelodi Sundowns have already secured their places in the quarterfinals after convincing victories in their penultimate matches. Mazembe defeated Pyramids of Egypt 3-0, while Sundowns secured a 2-0 win over Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou.
With both teams tied on 10 points and identical goal aggregates, Mazembe holds the top spot based on their superior head-to-head record. Their upcoming showdown against Sundowns will determine the group winner and set the stage for an exciting quarterfinal stage.
