High scoring Yanga storm into CAF CL first round

• Yanga thrashed Djibouti’s Asas 9-1 on aggregate
• They have now qualified for the second round
• Singida Big Stars have fired their coach despite qualifying in the CAF Confederation Cup

Yanga’s ambition to replicate last season’s CAF Confederation Cup performance in the Champions League continued as they thrashed Djibouti’s Asas 5-1 to progress to the first round.

The Tanzanian league champions progressed 9-1 on aggregate, having won the first leg last weekend 4-0.

It was a day for new signings to shine as Max Nzengeli scored twice Hafiz Konkoni another, Pacoua Zouazoua the other while Tanzanian youngster Clement Mzize also had a goal.

“I am delighted with the performance of the team and how professional we were in the game. The target is to continue our journey in Africa. This is done and now we focus on the first round. We have what it takes and we will continue working hard,” noted coach Miguel Gamondi.

Nzengeli broke the deadlock after seven minutes with a glancing header from a Jesus Moloko cross. Konkoni then made it 2-0 at the stroke of half time with an easy tap in from Aziz Ki’s pass from inside the box.

In the second half, Yanga ran riot with Zouazoua making it 3-0 in the 55^th minute on the second bite of the cherry after his initial effort from a Nzengeli pass was blocked by the keeper.

Mzize does more damage to Asas

In the 69^th minute, Mzize made it 4-0 with a glancing header from a Jamesd Kibabage cross, before Tito Mayor pulled one back for the Djiboutians from the penalty spot.

However, there was no stopping Yanga as Nzengeli completed his brace in added time after a good change of passes inside the box.

Meanwhile, big spenders Singida Fountain Gate have announced they have parted ways with their Dutch coach Hans van de Pluijm on mutual consent.

The tactician has been with the team since last season, but after the latest round of results, the club has seen it fit to make a change to enhance the results of the team as they look to battle for the Premier League title this season.

Singida beaten at home 

Singida parted ways with the tactician just a few days after they were beaten 2-0 by Zanzibar’s JKU in the CAF Confederation Cup, but went through 4-3 on aggregate after their 4-1 win in the first leg saved them through.

Juma Nassor and Gamba Matiko scored the two goals for JKU in the first half, but it was never enough to turn the result around.

The performance of the team irked several members of the team’s board despite the huge sums they had put into the team, and hence Pluijm’s fate seemed to have been sealed.

Among the players that Singida have signed include former TP Mazembe Star and Tanzanian international Thomas Ulimwengu, Kenyan defender Joash Onyango, left back Gadiel Michael and keeper beno Kakolanya all from Simba SC as well as Kenyan midfielder Duke Abuya from Kenya Police FC.