Young Africans beat AL Merrikh 2-0 away on Saturday, thanks to goals from Kennedy Musonda and Clement Mzize, as Miguel Gamondi’s team grabbed the upper hand in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round despite not killing off their Sudanese opponents.
September 16, Due to the unstable political circumstances in Khartoum, Sudanese giants Al Merrikh SC hosted their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Young Africans at Kigali Pelé Stadium.
Being the host in Kigali did not provide the Sudanese an advantage on and off the field, as Mwananchi dominated attendance and secured a virtual home advantage.
Young Africans “Yanga” overcame Al Merrikh after a scoreless first half with goals from Kennedy Musonda and Clement Mzizé to go a step closer to the CAF Champions League group stage, as they hope to finish the job in Dar es Salaam next week in the second leg.
Kennedy Musonda came off the bench after the interval to give the visitors the lead in the 61st minute. He scored with a powerful header from a superb freekick delivered by former ASEC Mimosa midfielder Pacome Zouzoua.
Al Merrikh were given a glimmer of hope when Aziz Ki played a wonderful ball to Clement Mzizé at the edge of the box, and Al Mustafa couldn’t save Mzizé’s shot from a very close distance.
The Tanzanians had multiple chances to kill the game, but the bar post rescued Al Mustapha several times. Hence, a 2-0 at full-time.
The second leg will be played in Chamazi. Following the renovation of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Young Africans opted to host the CAF Champions League at Azam Complex.
Yanga thrashed Ali Sabieh 5-1 in the first round at Chamazi to advance to the second round with a 7-1 aggregate score.
