On April 5, 2024, Young Africans (Yanga) faced a disappointing turn of events as they failed to advance to the semi-finals of the CAF Championship League. Their hopes were dashed in a dramatic penalty shootout against the formidable South African team, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The showdown took place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Despite a tense and goalless draw during normal time, Yanga found themselves on the losing end, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat on penalties.
Yanga’s aspirations were shattered when crucial players like Stephane Aziz KI, Dickson Job, and Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad faltered in their penalty attempts, while Augustine Okrah and Joseph Guede managed to find the back of the net.
In contrast, Mamelodi Sundowns seized their opportunities as Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro, and Neo Maema confidently converted their penalties. Although Gaston Sirino’s attempt was saved by Yanga’s goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra.
In another CAF Championship League match defending champions Al Ahly solidified their place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals with a dominant 2-0 victory against Tanzanian outfit Simba.
The Egyptian powerhouse secured their spot in the last four courtesy of goals from Omar El-Sulaya and Mahmoud Kahraba, in a match held at Cairo International Stadium.
Al Ahly’s next challenge will come against the victor of the clash between TP Mazembe and Petro de Luanda in the semi-finals, as they aim to defend their title successfully.
