Young
Africans (Yanga) yesterday suffered a second consecutive defeat in the CAF
Confederation Cup campaign following their 0-1 loss to TP Mazembe in Dar es
Salaam at the National Stadium.
Merveille Bope fired an eye catching free kick with 15 minutes left on clock to give the visitors precious
maximum away points. The result leaves Yanga in
bottom of Group A without a single point from two matches. Having already gone
down away to Algeria’s MO Bejaia earlier this month, Yanga hopes of claiming a
semifinal berth now seem too slim.
They now
need to win all their remaining four matches, which include two away encounters
to have any chance of making it into the semifinals. Mazembe, in contrast, move
to six points at the top of Group A, having opened their account with a 3-1
home win over Ghana’s Medeama earlier in the month.
In general,
Yanga were not at their best and in the opening exchange, TP Mazembe put more
players behind the ball giving the midfield duo of Thabani Kamusoko and Haruna
Niyonzima hard time to drive the team forward.
Abdul made a
swerving attempt from a set piece just two minutes on but his effort sailed
wide. Mazembe calmly started to fire-back with Jean Kasusula, Adama Traore,
Rodger Assale and Tanzanian Thomas Ulimwengu started to harass their host’s
defence.
However,
Yanga defence marshalled by towering Togolese Vincent Bossou and Kelvin Yondani
stood firm to protect goalkeeper Deogratius Munishi as they cleared the dangers.
Chirwa,
signed from FC Platinum of Zimbabwe was replaced by Anthony Matheo in the 71st
minute, while Godfrey Mwaishuya replaced Mahadhi. Mazembe also introduced Deo
Kanda for Traore, the changes which gave the visitors much impetus. No wonder,
Bope netted the winner in 73rd minute of the game following a defence mix up in
an effort to clear a free kick.
The set piece
was awarded by Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe, after Kelvin Yondani brought down
Ulimwengu, who was charging into the goal, right at the edge of the box.
Mazembe
nearly added the second in 84th minute, through Ulimwengu but the Taifa Stars
striker failed to put the ball into the back of the net with only goalkeeper
Munishi to beat by shooting wide.
Ulimwengu
went past Yondani and Bossou and charged into the penalty box and Munishi came
out for rescue but to the surprise of many, he shot high over the goal. Yanga’s
next match will be against Ghanaian side Medeama on either July 15, 16 or 17 at
home then they will travel to Ghana for a return leg clash on July 26. Mazembe
and Bejaia will meet for a double-header, which is likely to decide the winner
of the group next month.
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