Wednesday

Young Africans 0-0 Rayon Gor Mahia 0-0 USM Alger

Rayon Sports and Young Africans of Tanzania played out a goalless draw on Wednesday night at Uwanja wa Taifa in Dar es Salaam to register their second draw in two games played so far in Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Rayon Sports created a lot of goal opportunities but were too wasteful. A win could have propelled them to second place level on four points with leaders USM Alger of Algeria. The latter also shared spoils with Kenya’s Gor Mahia in a 0-0 draw in Nairobi yesterday.

Five-time CECAFA Kagame Cup winners, Young Africans, also known as Yanga, produced a number of clear chances to take the lead, including Obrey Chirwa’s woodwork in the 68th minute but goalie Eric Ndayishimiye’s defence, led by Thierry Manzi, was alert to clear the threats

However, the visitors had most failed attempts. Only Malian forward Ismaila Diarra had four goal scoring occasions in the first half and three in second, but failed to convert any of them before he was substituted in the 74th minute, and replaced by Christ Mbondi.

The Blues could have broken the deadlock in the 75th through youngster Kevin Muhire but had his effort denied by goalkeeper Youthe Rostand.

Ivan Minneart’s side also had two goals disallowed by the linesmen, first by Diarra in the first half, and then Hussein ‘Tchabalala’ Shaban’s chip in the second half.

After registering their second group draw, Rayon will play their next game against USM Alger, while Young Africans will be hosting Gor Mahia.

The Algerian giants top Group D table with 4 points after two games, Gor Mahia and Rayon are second and third with two points apiece, while Young Africans are bottom with one point.

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