Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi insists CAF Cup dream not finished

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FOOTBALL Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi insists CAF Cup dream not finished

Festus Chuma 11:00 - 04.06.2023

USMA won on the away goals rule to secure a first continental title in their history

Yanga head coach Nasreddine Nabi has expressed disappointment after losing the CAF Confederation Cup final against USM Alger.

Team ya Mwananchi beat USM 1-0 in the second leg of the final on Saturday, but it was not enough to hand them their first-ever continental crown as they had lost 2-1 at home.

Yanga created numerous chances to go in front of Algiers, but they lacked the cutting edge to convert the opportunities, with their goal coming from a penalty that Djuma Shaban covered in the seventh minute.

“USM Alger played a good game and from our side, we lacked effectiveness in attack. We had several opportunities to score in the match, but we couldn’t utilize them,” said Nabbi.

“We lost the final in Dar es Salaam. We lost a bit of focus as this was the first time we were playing in a match of this magnitude. We were not used to being in such finals. We tried to make amends in the return match, but it was not possible.”

Despite the defeat, the Tunisia gaffer congratulated USM Alger for scooping their maiden continental title.

“Congratulations to Alger on their victory. I offer them congratulations for this well-deserved title. It was a great final and the atmosphere from the fans was wonderful. Just like any coach I would like to win, but it was not possible for us tonight,” he added.

The former Pont Donazz Hone Arnad gaffer also praised his charges, noting that they will work hard to be in the same situation again next year.

Despite the defeat, the Tanzanian giants were awarded USD 1 million (Sh 137 million) for reaching the final, while the new champions USM Alger, pocketed USD 2 million (Sh275 million).