Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has celebrated another achievement with Tanzanian giants Young Africans after guiding the team into the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

Mngqithi joined Yanga with the aim of helping the club compete for domestic and continental honours, and he has already enjoyed a positive start to his tenure. The South African tactician began his time at the club by winning the Community Shield and has now added Champions League qualification to his early achievements.

Young Africans secured their place in the group stages after defeating Madagascan side CFFA 4-1 in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie on Wednesday. The result gave Yanga an impressive 8-1 aggregate victory, confirming their progress in Africa's biggest club competition.

The Tanzanian outfit entered the match in a strong position after winning the first leg and continued to show their attacking strength in front of their home supporters.

Ibrahim Kazimoto opened the scoring in the 27th minute to give Young Africans the lead. The goal put the hosts in control of the match as they looked to complete the job and secure their place in the next round.

Yanga increased their advantage shortly after the restart when Selemani Mwalimu scored in the 49th minute. The striker then found the back of the net again in the 53rd minute, completing a quick-fire brace that put the match beyond CFFA's reach.

The visitors managed to score a consolation goal in the 75th minute, but Young Africans continued to push forward in search of another goal. Teenager Juma Issa Abushuri eventually added the fourth in the 82nd minute to complete an impressive performance by the home side.

The victory made Young Africans the first team to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages in the current campaign, as their second-leg fixture was played ahead of the remaining matches in the preliminary round.

For Mngqithi, the achievement represents an encouraging start to his new challenge outside South Africa. He previously worked with Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows, gaining considerable experience in South African football before taking charge of the Tanzanian giants.

His experience could prove important as Yanga prepare for the tougher challenges that await them in the group stages. The competition will bring them up against some of Africa's strongest clubs, making consistency and tactical preparation essential.

Having already won the Community Shield and now secured continental qualification, Mngqithi will be hoping to maintain his team's momentum and guide Young Africans towards a successful Champions League campaign.

The former Sundowns coach will also be looking to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for further honours as he continues his work in Tanzania.

Source: IDiskiTimes