YOUNG Africans have taken a significant step towards advancing in the CAF Champions League after a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi’s Vital’O in the first leg of their preliminary round matchup.

The match, played at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, saw the Tanzanian champions showcase their strength with a dominant performance.

New signings Prince Dube and Clatous Chama made immediate impacts, each finding the back of the net alongside Clement Mzize and Stephane Aziz Ki. 

Their contributions helped Young Africans assert control early in the match, with Dube opening the scoring just five minutes in. He capitalized on a well-placed long ball from Aziz Ki and slotted it calmly into the net with his left foot, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Vital’O attempted to respond with a few attacks of their own, but Young Africans’ defense, led by captain Bakari Mwamnyeto, held firm. The Burundian side's efforts were further frustrated by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who made crucial saves to keep his team in front.

Young Africans doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Chama pounced on a rebound after an Aziz Ki shot hit the post. Chama’s calm finish demonstrated his experience and positioning, putting the match further out of Vital’O’s reach.

Substitutions by head coach Miguel Gamondi paid off quickly, as substitute Clement Mzize added a third goal in the 73rd minute. A defensive error by Vital’O allowed Mzize to capitalize, outpacing the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into an empty net.

The victory was capped off in the 90th minute when Aziz Ki converted a penalty, sealing a 4-0 win. The penalty was awarded after sustained pressure from Young Africans forced a mistake inside the box by the Vital’O defense.

In recognition of their performance, Young Africans were awarded TSh 20 million by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with each goal valued at TSh 5 million. This gesture will be repeated for every international match the team plays, providing additional motivation for the players.

With this emphatic win, Young Africans are now in a strong position to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League. A draw or even a loss by no more than four goals in the second leg, scheduled for August 24 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, would be enough to secure their advancement.

The winners of the Young Africans vs. Vital’O tie will face the victors of the matchup between Ethiopia’s CBE and Uganda’s SC Villa. 

As Young Africans prepare for the return leg, fans will be eagerly anticipating another dominant display that could propel them further in the tournament and solidify their ambitions on the continental stage.