South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi has steered Tanzanian giants Young Africans into the CAF Champions League group stages after a commanding victory over Madagascan side CFFA.

Yanga completed the job in style on Wednesday with a 4-1 win in the return leg of their second preliminary round tie. The result completed an emphatic 8-1 aggregate scoreline and booked their place in Africa’s top club competition.

The first leg had already put the Tanzanian champions in a strong position. Playing at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Mngqithi’s side ran out 4-0 winners. Cheikh Toure opened the scoring just before half-time, before Albert Kangwanda, Mudathir Yahya and Maxi Nzengeli added three more goals after the break. The second-half burst left CFFA with little hope of a comeback.

Wednesday’s return fixture at the same venue saw Yanga again dominate. They scored four more goals to finish the tie in convincing fashion. The Madagascan side managed a consolation goal, but it never threatened the outcome. With both matches played in Dar es Salaam, Yanga had the advantage of familiar surroundings throughout the tie.

This marks another step forward for Mngqithi since he took charge at Young Africans earlier this season. The 55-year-old coach, who was born in Umzimkhulu in KwaZulu-Natal, arrived in Tanzania after a long spell in South African football. He spent many years at Mamelodi Sundowns, first as assistant to Pitso Mosimane and later in senior coaching roles, and also had previous stints at Golden Arrows and other Premiership clubs.

Before facing CFFA, Yanga had already come through the first preliminary round. They edged Botswana champions Gaborone United 3-2 on aggregate, with former Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile among the scorers.

Mngqithi has set high standards since joining the club. He has spoken openly about wanting to win the Champions League, even as the club’s leadership has set a more measured target of reaching the quarter-finals. The South African coach now has the chance to show what his side can do against the continent’s strongest teams in the group stage.

Young Africans supporters will hope this strong start under Mngqithi can lead to a deep run in the competition. For now, the immediate focus is on preparing for the group stage draw and the challenges that lie ahead.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2112969045280456755