Manqoba Mngqithi Makes History as Young Africans Storm Into CAF Champions League Group Stages

Mngqithi Makes History! Young Africans Hammer CFFA 8-1 to Book CAF Champions League Group Stage Spot

South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi has guided Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC into the CAF Champions League group stages after a commanding 8-1 aggregate victory over Madagascan outfit CFFA.

Young Africans confirmed their qualification in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, defeating CFFA 4-1 in the second leg of their second preliminary-round encounter to complete a dominant two-legged performance.

The result represents another significant milestone for Mngqithi, who continues to build his reputation beyond South African football following his move to Tanzania.

Yanga Complete the Job in Style

Heading into Wednesday's encounter, Young Africans were already firmly in control of the tie after securing an impressive 4-0 victory in the first leg.

Goals from Cheikh Touré, Albert Kangwanda, Mudathir Yahya and Maxi Mpia Nzengeli had given the Tanzanian champions a commanding advantage, leaving CFFA with a difficult task in the return fixture.

However, Mngqithi's charges showed no signs of complacency as they produced another convincing performance to seal their place in the group stages.

Ibrahim Kazimoto opened the scoring in the 27th minute, giving the hosts further control of the contest.

Young Africans returned from the interval with renewed attacking intent, and Selemani Mwalimu delivered a decisive contribution by scoring twice in quick succession, finding the net in the 49th and 53rd minutes.

CFFA managed to pull one goal back in the 75th minute, but the response did little to change the overall picture of the encounter.

Teenager Juma Issa Abushuri then put the finishing touches on the victory in the 82nd minute, ensuring that Young Africans completed the second leg with a comfortable 4-1 win.

Another Major Achievement for Mngqithi

For Mngqithi, qualification represents an important achievement as he continues his journey with one of Tanzania's most successful football clubs.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows coach arrived at Young Africans with considerable experience in South African football, having previously worked at the highest level of the domestic game.

His appointment attracted attention among South African football followers, particularly given his previous involvement with Sundowns, where he helped establish a competitive team capable of challenging for major honours.

Now, his success in guiding Young Africans into the continental competition's group stages provides further evidence of his ability to compete beyond South Africa's borders.

Focus Shifts to the Group Stages

Young Africans will now turn their attention to the challenges awaiting them in the CAF Champions League group stages.

The Tanzanian giants will be eager to carry their impressive preliminary-round form into the next phase, where the level of competition is expected to increase significantly.

Their attacking performances against CFFA will provide encouragement, although Mngqithi will understand that greater consistency and defensive discipline will be required against Africa's strongest clubs.

For South African football supporters, Mngqithi's progress will also be worth following as the experienced tactician continues to represent the country's coaching talent on the continental stage.

With qualification secured through an emphatic 8-1 aggregate triumph, Young Africans have sent a strong message to their potential group-stage opponents.

Mngqithi and Yanga are through, and their CAF Champions League campaign is gathering momentum.

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