Young Africans put four past CFFA to seize control of CAF Champions League tie

Young Africans took a significant step towards the CAF Champions League group stages with a 4-0 first-leg victory over CFFA on Saturday afternoon.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s side responded strongly after last weekend’s disappointing defeat by Simba SC in the Kariakoo derby, producing a commanding performance against the Malagasy team that had beaten Lesotho’s Ljabatho in the first preliminary round.

Young Africans began on the front foot and almost took the lead within two minutes. Ibrahima Toure rose to meet a corner, but his header was scooped from the goal-line and went out of play.

CFFA spent much of the opening period under pressure as the Tanzanian champions continued to attack. They were presented with a clear opportunity before the half-hour mark when Albert Kangwanda met Peter Shalulile’s cutback from the right with the goal unguarded, but he failed to convert and the defence cleared.

The home side had a rare chance late in the first half when Fabrice Joesph tested Hamidu Mshery with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area. The Young Africans goalkeeper held the shot.

The visitors finally broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time. A mistake by the CFFA goalkeeper allowed Toure to steal in at the far post, take control of the ball and finish into the net.

Young Africans doubled their lead just two minutes after the restart. Kangwanda was left unmarked at the back post and calmly converted a cross delivered from the left.

The Malagasy side fell further behind a few minutes later after another attack down the flank. Kangwanda reached the byline and sent a cross into the area, where Yahya Mudathir met it with a volley that flew into the bottom corner.

Mngqithi’s players then added a fourth during a dominant spell at the start of the second half. Maxi Nzengeli got on the scoresheet after CFFA were again caught out defensively.

With a three-goal advantage, Young Africans controlled the closing stages without facing sustained pressure from their opponents. CFFA were unable to find a response as the Tanzanian champions completed a convincing 4-0 win.

The result gives Young Africans a substantial advantage to take into the second leg as they pursue a place in the CAF Champions League group stages.