Yanga SC has been eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a goalless draw against MC Alger in their final group stage match held today, January 18, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The match remained tightly contested, with neither team managing to find the back of the net. Both the first and second halves ended in a stalemate, despite efforts from both sides to secure a decisive victory.
With this result, MC Alger advanced to the quarterfinals, finishing second in the group with nine points, behind Al Hilal, who secured 10 points to top the table.
After the match, Yanga’s head coach, Saed Ramovic, expressed his disappointment over the elimination.
He acknowledged his team’s dominance in possession but admitted they struggled to break through MC Alger’s defense.
He emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of the game to address their shortcomings and focus on performing better in the domestic league.
He also commented on Pacome Zouzoua’s performance, explaining that the player had been unwell during the week, which limited his contribution to the game.
Ramovic praised Zouzoua’s talent and described him as an invaluable player for the team.
MC Alger’s head coach, Khaled Benyahya, attributed his team’s success to discipline and adherence to tactical instructions.
He acknowledged the technical nature of the game and noted that his team missed two clear chances in the first half.
In the second half, they focused on defensive solidity to deny Yanga opportunities to attack, which proved crucial in securing their place in the quarterfinals.
The match featured spirited performances from both sides, with Yanga fielding a lineup that included Djigui Diarra, Ibrahim Hamad, Dickson Job, Khalid Aucho, Stephane Aziz Ki, Kibwana Shomary, Chadrack Isaka, Clement Mzize, Kenneth Musonda, Mudathir Yahya, and Prince Dube.
MC Alger’s starting eleven consisted of Abdelatif Ramdane, Ayoub Abdellaoui, Mohamed Benkhemassa, Soufiane Bayazid, Tayeb Meziani, Kamel Hamidi, Ayoub Ghezala, Mohamed Halaimia, Larbi Zanzi, Amine Ben Malik Messoussa, and Akram Bouras.
The elimination marks a disappointing end to Yanga’s continental campaign, but the team remains determined to regroup and excel in upcoming competitions.