Young African’s (Yanga) annihilated Algerian side CR Belouzidad 4-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium to advance to the quarter-final of the Caf champions league, eliminating Medeama Sc in the process.
Following the outcome of Friday’s game between Medeama and Al Ahly, a comprehensive win for Young Africans in their own backyard against CR Belouizdad was needed to automatically send the East African side to the last eight of the CAF champions league.
Yanga relished the opportunity with a dominant one-sided display in a 4-0 demolishing in Dar Es Salaam over Belouizdad, moving up to 8 points and advancing out of group D with record holders and defending champions Al Ahly.
Yanga showcased great attacking impetus as they outclassed Belouizdad, booting out Medeama Sc whose chances of progression after the defeat to Al Ahly on Friday hanged on a thread.
The most favourable outcome in the game involving Yanga and Belouizdad for Medeama would have been a draw, which would have left the group wide open with the last round of games yet to be played.
However, lady luck will not shine on the debutants as their maiden run was brought to an abrupt end. Nevertheless, the mauves and yellow faithfuls would have something to cheer about though, with CAF handing out a financial package of $700,000 to all teams who were eliminated in the group stages.
Medeama lie bottom of group D after a catastrophic showing, albeit with a game to go against CR Belouizdad. The fate of the Tarkwa based side has been sealed, making it impossible to qualify after accumulating 4 points in their fist 5 group games.
Nebojsa Kapor, who stepped in as head coach after the teams defeat to Al Ahly in the first round, would be disappointed but will turn his attention to the second round of the Ghana premier league to defend their title and mount a title charge in the process.
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Story by : Andrews Sefa Bamfo |univers.ug.edu.gh
