Young Africans have taken a commanding step towards the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League with a decisive 4-0 victory over Vital’o in Burundi.
The Tanzanian champions displayed their continental pedigree on Saturday, dismantling their Burundian hosts in the first leg of the first-round tie.
From the outset, Young Africans asserted their dominance against a Vital’o side that struggled to keep pace.
The visitors opened the scoring early, with Prince Dube finding the back of the net in the 12th minute.
Despite Vital’o’s efforts to respond, they could not break through the Tanzanian defense, and the score remained 1-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
The second half saw Young Africans shift into a higher gear, leaving no room for a Vital’o comeback.
Clatous Chama doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark, putting the Tanzanians firmly in control.
The Burundians, already reeling from Chama’s strike, suffered another blow just five minutes later when Clement Mzize made it 3-0, effectively sealing the game.
As the match drew to a close, Burkinabe international Stéphane Aziz Ki added the final touch with a goal in stoppage time, bringing the score to 4-0.
This comprehensive victory not only highlighted Young Africans’ superiority but also virtually assured their passage to the next round, barring any unforeseen circumstances in the return leg.
Young Africans’ performance in Burundi was a statement of intent as they look to make a deep run in this year’s CAF Champions League.
The Tanzanian side, accustomed to competing on Africa’s biggest stages, demonstrated their experience and quality against a Vital’o team that, despite a spirited first-half effort, could not match their opponents’ level.
The return leg will be played on home soil for Young Africans, where they will look to complete the job and advance to the second preliminary round with ease.
With a four-goal cushion, the Tanzanian champions are in a strong position to continue their quest for continental glory.
For Vital’o, the defeat is a harsh reminder of the challenges that come with facing seasoned opponents in the CAF Champions League.
They will need a near-miraculous performance in the return leg to overturn the deficit, but for now, Young Africans are firmly in control of the tie.
