Abuya’s dream of playing in the quater finals of the CAF Champions League ends after Yanga are knocked out of group
Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya’s aspirations of featuring in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals were dashed after his team, Yanga SC, exited the competition following a disappointing goalless draw against MC Alger on Saturday.
The crucial Group A fixture took place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam, where the Tanzanian champions failed to secure the win needed to progress.
Abuya, who joined Yanga SC in July last year from Singida Black Stars, was an unused substitute during the match.
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Harambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi has been very particular in wanting his players to harness one trait if they are to defy the odds in group A of the 2024 CHAN group of death.
Yanga head coach Sead Ramovic opted for second-half changes, introducing Pacome Zouzoua and Clatous Chama for Kennedy Musonda and Mudathir Yahya in the 46th and 68th minutes, respectively. However, these changes were not enough to break down MC Alger’s resolute defense.
Despite dominating possession and enjoying immense home support, Yanga struggled to find creativity in the final third. MC Alger displayed defensive discipline of the highest order, effectively neutralizing Yanga’s attacking threats.
Their defensive solidity, combined with strategic time-wasting, frustrated the home side and ensured the visitors held on for the point they needed.
With the draw, MC Alger advanced to the quarterfinals alongside Sudanese giants Al Hilal, who also emerged from Group A. Yanga finished third in the group with eight points, while DR Congo’s TP Mazembe ended at the bottom despite a 4-0 victory over Hilal in Kinshasa in their final match.
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Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee believes Kenya’s Harambee Stars can replicate the side that reached the semi-finals of the 1987 All-African Games on home soil at the upcoming CHAN 2024 despite landing ‘group of death’.
The quarterfinal lineup for the CAF Champions League is now complete, featuring powerhouse clubs such as Orlando Pirates (South Africa), FAR Rabat (Morocco), Esperance (Tunisia), Al Ahly, and Pyramids FC (both from Egypt).
Following their elimination, Yanga will now shift focus to domestic matters as they aim to defend their league title and secure a fourth consecutive crown. Abuya, who played a key role during the preliminary rounds and early group-stage matches of the Champions League, will be eager to contribute to his team’s league campaign.
Their continental exit leaves Simba SC as Tanzania’s sole representative in CAF competitions. Simba has advanced to the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, providing some consolation for Tanzanian football fans.
Abuya’s CAF Champions League journey may have ended prematurely this season, but the midfielder will undoubtedly look forward to future opportunities to shine on the continental stage.
For now, his focus will remain on helping Yanga maintain their dominance in Tanzanian football.
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Sports Kenya has revealed when both Harambee Stars and FKFPL clubs will be allowed to use Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia once renovations are completed before commencement of CHAN 2024 in August.
