Tanzania’s Young Africans [Yanga] have succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to USM Alger in the CAF Confederation Cup final first leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The victory puts the Algerian side in good stead ahead of their return leg at home.
The home side started the game on a front foot backed by abundant roars and rumbles from their fans in the stands, as this was a sold-out affair.
However, the visitors upped the ante and started to take command of the showdown.
In the 32nd minute of the match, Alger finally found the back of the net through Mahious’ beautiful header.
Despite the North African side taking the lead, Yanga were never discouraged. They started pushing forward in numbers with the hope of finding an equaliser.
As the first period progressed, the hosts couldn’t capitalise on their clear-cut chances as Alger remained solid at the back.
After an entertaining first half, the contest went into the interval with the Alger leading Yanga by a 1-0 scoreline.
In the second stanza, the home side began the half highly motivated, aiming to pull one back. But Alger stood their ground.
The visitors continued to put in a resilient defensive performance to rebuff the efforts of the hosts’ attackers.
But Alger regained momentum to gain dominance which saw them creating a couple of scoring chances.
On the other hand, Yanga struggled to threaten the visitors’ side goalkeeper.
But Alger had a couple of chances to bury the game but failed to capitalise on their clear-cut opportunities.
The intensity of the game in the second half allowed the fans to enjoy a brilliant day of the mouthwatering contest.
In the 82nd minute of the showpiece, Fiston Mayele leveled matters for Yanga.
Sadly, just a minute after the restart Alger took the lead again which crashed Yanga’s fans who came in numbers to support them.
Alger’s game plan worked in their favour as they managed to hold on to their lead.
