Célestin Ecua, one of Ivory Coast’s rising stars, is set to begin a new chapter in his career after finalising a move to Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The 23-year-old striker, who has steadily built a reputation across West African football, arrives in Tanzania following impressive performances in his home country’s domestic league.
Ecua’s consistent displays for Zoman FC and former club ASEC Mimosas, particularly during their CAF Cup campaigns, brought him into the spotlight and attracted growing interest from scouts beyond Ivory Coast’s borders.
Young Africans SC, the reigning champions of Tanzania, have moved swiftly to secure his signature, with the forward penning a two-year contract.
The club had been tracking Ecua for several months, drawn to his qualities as a central striker with an eye for goal and the ability to influence play in the final third.
Ecua’s transfer underscores Young Africans’ ambition to build a squad that blends experience with promising young talent from across the continent.
His arrival also highlights a growing trend in East African football, where clubs are investing more decisively in West African talent in a bid to strengthen their competitive edge domestically and in continental tournaments.
For Ecua, this transition marks a significant leap forward in his professional journey. Having proven himself in the Ivorian Ligue 1, he now enters a new environment, where the expectations are higher and the spotlight more intense.
Playing in Tanzania offers not only a fresh challenge but also the opportunity to elevate his profile further, especially with the CHAN tournament approaching.
CHAN 2024, set to begin on August 2 and run through to August 30, will serve as an important showcase for players like Ecua, who remain eligible for selection as they ply their trade in Africa-based leagues.
His move to Young Africans places him in an ideal setting to maintain form and visibility in the lead-up to the competition.
While details of the transfer fee remain undisclosed, the deal has been confirmed by sources close to both clubs. Ecua’s addition to the Tanzanian champions is seen as a strategic move aimed at reinforcing their attacking options ahead of the upcoming league season and continental fixtures.
Having built his career step by step—from emerging with ASEC Mimosas to refining his craft at Zoman FC—Ecua has now positioned himself for a new test in East Africa.
His trajectory exemplifies the journey of many African talents whose performances at home gradually open doors to wider opportunities across the continent.
With CHAN 2024 drawing near, Ecua will be one to watch. His adaptability, sharp instincts, and proven goal-scoring record could well make him a standout figure, both for his club and potentially on the international stage, as he takes his next step in Tanzanian football.
