By Omari Mwisho,
Young Africans(Yanga) of Tanzania were knocked out of the Caf Champions League 4-3 by defending champions Al Ahly through penalty shoots outs after Al Ahly beat them 1-0 in in normal regulation time game ending in a 1-1 aggregate at the El Max Stadium in Alexandria,Egypt.
Yanga’s keeper Deo Munishi heroics in saving two penalties in the shoot outs was not enough to guarantee his team a spot in the group stages.
Yanga who came to the match with a one goal advantage fired from all cylinders but Didier Kavumbagu was the biggest culptit as he missed several chances .
Al Ahly looking for the elusive goal fought tooth and nail to try and find an equalizer but defenders Nadir”Cannavaro”Haroub,Kelvin Yondani and keeper Dida remained steadfast in defence thwarting all attempts.
The first half ended in a goalless draw as both sides went to the break .The second half was no different as both sides pushed forward for a goal but it was Al Ahly who got the break in the 70th minute when Saed Mowaeb when he beat keeper Deo Munishi with a fine finish to give Al Ahly the 1-0 lead.
Al Ahly defended their solitary goal as the game ended on a 1-1 aggregate leading to penalties.Nadir Haroub,Didier Kavumbagu,Emmanuel Okwi scored for Yanga from the spot while Oscar Joshua penalty hit the woodwork and Said Bahanuzi’s spot kick went inches widewhile Mbuyu Twite’s pena;ty was saved by keeper Ekramy.
Al Ahly penalties were scored by Abdalla Said,Gedo,Trezeguet and Mohamed Nagied while Yanga’s keeper Deo Munishi saved two penalties by Saed Mowaed and Hossan Ashour.
Young Africans squad: 1.Dida, 2.Twite, 3.Oscar, 4.Cannavaro, 5.Yondani, 6.Domayo, 7.Msuva, 8.Ngasa/Chuji, 9.DKavumbagu, 10.Okwi, 11.Kizza/Bahanuzi