By Victoria GodfreyYoung Africans (Yanga) took a major step towards the group stage of the CAF Champions League after securing a commanding 4-0 victory over Madagascar’s CFFA in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at Azam Complex on Saturday.
Yanga scored all four goals in a dominant display, giving the Tanzanian champions a substantial advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for October 21 at the same venue.
The hosts had to wait until the 39th minute to break the deadlock, with Cheikh Toure finding the net after both sides spent the opening stages searching for a breakthrough.
Yanga carried their 1-0 advantage into half-time before stepping up the pressure immediately after the restart.
Albert Kagwanda doubled the lead in the 47th minute, putting Yanga firmly in control as CFFA struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking threat.
Mudathir Yahya extended the advantage seven minutes later, scoring in the 54th minute to leave the visitors facing an uphill task.
Maxi Nzengeli then completed the rout in the 59th minute, making it 4-0 and putting Yanga in a strong position to progress to the next round.
The result leaves CFFA with a daunting challenge in the return leg, while Yanga will be looking to protect their advantage and seal qualification for the group stage.
The second-leg encounter will be played at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on October 21, with the aggregate winner advancing to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.