Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho’s Young Africans (Yanga) saw their CAF Champions League campaign come to a disappointing end after a 0-0 draw against Algeria’s MC Alger on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Yanga entered the match needing a win to secure a quarterfinal spot but failed to convert opportunities into goals, leaving them third in Group A with eight points from six games.
A Rocky Start That Proved Costly
Yanga’s journey in the group stages began poorly, picking up only one point in their first three matches.
Despite rallying with two consecutive wins on matchdays four and five, their sluggish start ultimately cost them a place in the last eight.
Aucho, a reliable figure in the midfield, played the full 90 minutes in his anchorman role but could not inspire Yanga to victory.
Group A Standings:
- Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan) – 10 points
- MC Alger (Algeria) – 9 points
- Yanga (Tanzania) – 8 points
- AS Vita Club (DR Congo) – 5 points
Focus Shifts to Domestic League
With continental dreams dashed, Yanga now turns attention to the Ligi Kuu Bara (Tanzanian Premier League).
They currently sit second with 39 points from 15 games, just one point behind league leaders and rivals Simba SC, who have 40 points from the same number of matches.
Yanga has dominated the league in recent years, winning the last three championships.
Their next fixture is against bottom-placed KenGold at the Chamazi Stadium on Wednesday, January 22.
The Road Ahead
As they aim for a fourth consecutive league title, Aucho and Yanga must regroup quickly to maintain their domestic supremacy and prepare for another shot at continental success next season.
