Young Africans (Yanga SC) will face a tall order in the return leg of the Caf Confederation Cup final after losing 2-1 against USM Alger at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.
Aimen Mahious put the Algerian side ahead in the 32nd minute courtesy of his powerful header that left Yanga goalie Djigui Diarra with no answers.
In the second half, Fiston Mayele balanced the equation after his brilliant strike in the 82nd minute restored smiles on thousands of Timu ya Mwananchi fans, who stormed the venue to cheer their side.
However, the celebrations were cut short four minutes later as Islam Merili coolly slotted in the second goal after a superb counter-attack that exposed the host’s defensive line.
With the outcome, the Tanzanian giants have a big task in Algeria when the two sides meet again in the reverse fixture on Saturday.