Young Africans take control of CAF Champions League tie with 4-0 win

Manqoba Mngqithi’s Young Africans took a decisive step towards the next round of the CAF Champions League with a 4-0 victory over Madagascar’s CFFA in Saturday’s first-leg meeting.

The Tanzanian champions established a commanding advantage in their second-round preliminary tie, scoring all four goals after a patient opening period.

The result represents a significant boost for Mngqithi, who became Young Africans manager in July after leaving Golden Arrows.

Returning to the CAF Champions League was a major factor in the South African coach’s decision to move to Tanzania. Mngqithi has previous experience of winning the competition, having been part of the Mamelodi Sundowns team that lifted the trophy in 2016 before later taking charge of the club as head coach.

Young Africans had to wait until the 39th minute to break the deadlock. Cheikh Toure found the net shortly before half-time to give the home side a 1-0 lead at the interval.

CFFA were unable to contain Young Africans after the restart, with the tie effectively settled during a 12-minute spell.

Albert Kangwanda doubled the lead in the 47th minute, before Mudathir Yahya scored the third seven minutes later. Maxi Nzengeli then completed the scoring in the 59th minute.

The Madagascar side could not respond to Young Africans’ quick succession of goals, allowing Mngqithi’s team to control the remainder of the match without significant difficulty.

The four-goal advantage leaves Young Africans firmly in command before the second leg. Mngqithi will now expect his players to maintain their concentration and complete the job in a professional manner.

The progress of the Tanzanian giants will also be closely followed by South African football supporters as Mngqithi attempts to guide them further in Africa’s premier club competition.