YOUNG Africans head coach Sead Ramovic has expressed his frustration despite his team salvaging a 1-1 draw against TP Mazembe in their CAF Champions League Group A clash in Lubumbashi.

A last-gasp equalizer from substitute Prince Dube gave Young Africans a lifeline in the competition, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.

Speaking after the game, Ramovic (pictured) commended his players for their performance but lamented missed opportunities that could have secured all three points.

“I feel that we lost two points,” he said. “From the first minute until the end, we dominated the game. I think this was our best game since I arrived because I’m very happy about the process. Of course, I’m not happy with the result, but the progress we are making is encouraging.”

Ramovic praised his team’s tactical execution, noting that they had effectively neutralized Mazembe’s reliance on long balls and second-ball opportunities. 

However, a defensive lapse allowed Mazembe to take the lead in the 41st minute through Cheikh Fofana, who had been on the pitch for just three minutes.

“Everything we analyzed about the opponents happened in the game,” Ramovic explained. “We knew they would rely on long balls and second balls. We had to stay on them and follow their movements closely. Unfortunately, one lapse allowed a cross, and we conceded.”

Despite conceding, Ramovic remained more concerned about Young Africans profligacy in front of goal.

“From all the chances we created, we should have scored at least three or four goals, minimum,” he noted. “In the end, when even the opposing fans applaud us, you know we played a very good game. Only the result didn’t reflect what we actually wanted.”

The match at Stade TP Mazembe saw Young Africans struggle in the first half, with the hosts controlling much of the play. 

Mazembe’s breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Fofana capitalized on a low cross that struck the post and bounced into the net past Young Africans goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. 

The Ivorian referee Ibrahim Kalilou Traore called for a brief stoppage after the goal as Young Africans protested in vain.

Fofana had replaced the injured Gloire Mujaya in the 39th minute, making an immediate impact to put the Congolese side ahead. 

Young Africans’ attempts to respond before halftime were hindered by their lack of urgency and fluidity in attack. Diarra, who appeared injured, managed to finish the first half but was substituted at the break.

The second half saw Young Africans make multiple changes in a bid to turn the tide. Ramovic introduced Prince Dube, Clatous Chama, and Stephane Aziz Ki, who injected energy into the attack. 

However, Young Africans’ finishing woes persisted as chances went begging, with Pacome Zouzoua and Clement Mzize failing to convert key opportunities.

Mazembe, meanwhile, looked set to secure their first group stage win after drawing with MC Alger and losing to Al Hilal in their previous matches. But Dube, who had been enduring a 13-match goal drought, rose to the occasion in the dying moments.

In the fifth minute of added time, Dube found the back of the net, silencing the home crowd and rescuing a point for the Tanzanian champions. 

The goal not only ended Dube’s personal struggles but also prevented Young Africans from suffering a third consecutive defeat in the group stage.

Despite the draw, Young Africans remain at the bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches. Mazembe moved to two points, while group leaders Al Hilal have nine points followed by MC Alger who have four points.

Young Africans’ campaign has been far from smooth. They lost their opening two matches 2-0 at home to Al Hilal and 2-0 away to MC Alger placing immense pressure on their remaining fixtures. 

The Tanzanian side must now win their last three games to secure a spot in the quarter-finals for a second consecutive season.

Young Africans’ struggle in the CAF Champions League coincide with a period of transition under Ramovic, who replaced Miguel Gamondi earlier this season. 

Gamondi, despite leading Young Africans to the group stage and a historic CAF Confederation Cup final last season, was dismissed following back-to-back defeats in the Mainland Premier League against Azam FC and Tabora United.

Under Ramovic, Young Africans have shifted from their trademark high-tempo attacking football to a more structured approach. However, results have been inconsistent, with the team still adjusting to the new philosophy.

Young Africans head coach Sead Ramovic will face TP Mazembe again next week, this time in Dar es Salaam, before hosting Al Hilal and concluding their group stage campaign against MC Alger. 

With a potential 10 points still up for grabs, Young Africans’ quarter-final ambitions remain mathematically alive, but the margin for error is now razor-thin.