Tanzania giants Yanga have advanced to the final of the CAF Confederation Cup final after a 2-1 win against Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Wednesday.
Yanga won 4-1 on aggregate following a 2-0 win in the first leg in Dar es Salaam. Fiston Mayele and Kennedy Musonda scored for ‘Wanachi’.
DRAMA BEFORE THE MATCH
The clash was no short of drama, the visitors refused to enter the dressing room and opted to change in the corridors. This is after the Tanzania Champions claimed that there was an unpleasant smell inside the dressing rooms.
Both clubs showed their intentions clear of wanting to win the match in the opening stages of the match. But it was Fiston Mayele who got the first real chance of the match in the 10th minute.
However, Marumo keeper Washington Arubi was able to stop the 28-year-old. Arubi was forced to get out of his 18-areas box to stop what would have been a good opportunity for Mudathir Yahya four minutes later.
YOUNG AFRICANS OUTCLASS MARUMO GALLANTS IN RUSTENBURG
The home side were patient and their better chance came in the 25th minute when a Ranga Chivaviro shot went over the bar after a good interplay. Two minutes later Lesiba Nku missed a glorious one-on-one opportunity after an excellent through pass from Celimpilo Ngema.
Yanga came close in the 30th minute through Mayele but his shot was blocked by Tshepo Gumede.
The biggest opportunity of the half came in the 22nd minute. Ngema’s shot was saved by Yanga keeper Djigui Diarra in a one-on-one situation.
Young Africans had two glorious opportunities in a space of two minutes from Tuisila Kisinda who was saved by Arubi. Yahya blasted his shot wide after being left unmarked in the 18-area box.
Letsie Koapeng came close with two minutes to the half-time break. But the 29-year-old to connect with an excellent cross from Lebogang Mabotja.
The visitors found the lead in the 45th minute through Mayele after some schoolboy errors from the Gallants’ defence.
Yanga went to the break leading 1-0 and leading 3-0 on aggregate.
As expected, Marumo came back into the second half throwing everything at the visitors. They came close in the 52nd minute but both Koapeng and Chivaviro missed back-to-back chances.
Five minutes later, Chivaviro scored what he thought was an equaliser but the header was ruled to be offside.
But the visitors sealed the historic victory when Zambian international Kennedy scored the second of the night to make it 4-1 on aggregate in the 62nd minute. Ranga Chivaviro scored a consolation for the home side in referees optional time.
FIRST CONFEDERATION CUP FINAL
It is the first CAF Confederation Cup final for Young Africans. This is Yanga’s sixth appearances and the first time that they have made it past the group stages. They will face the winners between USM Alger and ASEC Mimosas who are in action in the second semifinal on Wednesday night.
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