YOUNG Africans head coach Saed Ramovic shed light on the defensive strategy his team employed during their 2-0 loss to MC Alger in the CAF Champions League on Saturday at Stade 5 Juillet in Algeria.

The Tanzanian side struggled to impose themselves throughout the match as goals from MC Alger’s captain Ayoub Abdellaoui and Sofiane Bayazid handed the hosts a comfortable victory. 

The defeat leaves Young Africans at the bottom of Group A, without a point or a goal in the competition so far.

The Algerian side dominated possession, holding 52% of the ball and registering 16 shots - five on target - compared to Young Africans' three attempts, none of which troubled the opposition goalkeeper.

Ramovic revealed that his team opted for a deep defensive setup in the first half, focusing on counter-attacks to exploit gaps in MC Alger’s formation. The plan appeared to shift after the Algerian side lost key midfielder Mohamed Zougrana to injury, allowing Young Africans to gain more control in midfield.

“We adopted a counter-attacking strategy in the first half to counter their dominance. In the second half, we anticipated their offensive pressure, especially with their experienced substitutes," Ramovic explained.

The coach made notable positional adjustments to counter MC Alger’s fast-paced, possession-heavy play. Stephane Aziz Ki played as a false nine, Kennedy Musonda operated as a wide midfielder, and Pacome Zouzoua floated across the forward line. Maxi Nzengeli was positioned centrally in attack.

"These adjustments were necessary to disrupt their rhythm while giving us balance in attack," Ramovic stated. "We knew our opponents had fast players, so we focused on maintaining a compact defensive shape. Solid defense is the foundation for effective attacking play."

Despite the changes, the Tanzanian side failed to make an impact in the final third, missing a key chance late in the game before MC Alger sealed the result with a 91st-minute goal following a defensive lapse.

Ramovic also acknowledged that his players are still adapting to his high-intensity tactical approach.

"Our fitness levels are not where they need to be, but we're working on improving them. The players are adapting to my style, and this takes time. This defeat is disappointing, but we will continue to work hard and bounce back," he said.

Young Africans are now at the bottom of Group A, while MC Alger lead with four points. With two consecutive losses, Ramovic’s side faces an uphill task to qualify for the next round. They must win their remaining four matches to stand any chance of advancing.

Their next challenge is an away clash against TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, on December 14. This will be followed by a home rematch against TP Mazembe at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Young Africans will then travel to face Al Hilal on January 10, 2025, before wrapping up their group stage campaign by hosting MC Alger on January 17, 2025.