Yanga reach historic CAF Confederation Cup final after outclassing Marumo Gallants

© Yanga SC

CONFEDERATION CUP Yanga reach historic CAF Confederation Cup final after outclassing Marumo Gallants

Kiplagat Sang 21:05 - 17.05.2023

The Tanzanian giants outclassed their penultimate opponents by picking up a 4-1 aggregate win.

Yanga SC progressed to the final of the CAF Confederation Cup after beating South Africa’s Marumo Gallants 2-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday.

The Kariakoo club scored in either half as they showed class and were rewarded by their effective and precise attacking moves.

Given the kind of line-up he drafted, Yanga’s coach Nasredinne Nabi preferred to start with his fast wingers, Tuisila Kisinda and Kennedy Musonda, and their involvement was useful, especially in launching speedy counter-attacks.

Meanwhile, the Tanzanian champions had two good opportunities to take the lead early in the first half, but Kisinda and Mudathir Yahya were unable to find the back of the net.

The Premier Soccer League side looked dominant, especially in the midfield, but their finishing was poor.

Anytime Gallants looked to be ambitiously attacking, Yanga’s backline stood firm and thwarted every threat posed. Ranga Chivaviro had a rough time as he was capably handled by Shomari Kibwana and Bakari Mwamnyeto, who manned Yanga’s central defense zone.

Yanga almost broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, but Yahya failed to find the back of the net while in a very promising position.

The Tanzanian record champions took the lead in the first minute of added time in the first half when Fiston Mayele scored.

Gallants made three changes in the 46th minute, with Ismael Toure, Sibusiso Sibeko, and Lebohang Mabotja withdrawn and their places taken by Ayanda Nkili, Monde Mphambaniso, and Katleho Otladisa.

Timu ya Wananchi were as ambitious as they were in the first half and scored the second goal in the 62nd minute through Musonda. The Zambian, who signed for Yanga in the last window and also scored in their 4-2 win against Dodoma Jiji as they sealed their record Premier League title, finished nicely after a brilliant counterattack.

After extending the lead, Nabi made three changes: Khalid Aucho, who was yellow-carded and will miss the first-leg of the final, Musonda, and Kisinda came out. In came Aziz Ki, Ducapel Moloko, and Clement Mzize.

Yanga were denied a clean sheet when Chivaviro, who had struggled to find a way past the backline, scored in the first added minute to give Gallants a goal.

Yanga, who had to overcome Club Africain, TP Mazembe, and Rivers United in the previous games that were perceived as tougher for them, now have a chance to fight for the continental trophy after sealing a back-to-back Premier League title.

They will now face the winner between USM Alger and ASEC Mimosas.

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