Electrifying Debut Night: Young Africans Edge Royal Army 1-0 in CAF Champions League Group Stage
22 November 2025
Match Recap
In a tightly fought CAF Champions League group stage opener, Young Africans edged Royal Army 1-0 at a commemorative venue in Zanzibar. The decisive moment came when Brans found the net, only for the referee to chalk it off? offside, triggering protests from the Moroccan side and their bench as the home crowd roared. The goalkeeper Rida Taknouti produced several standout saves, keeping the hosts ahead as waves of pressure from Royal Army surged in the final minutes.
Key Moments
The Moroccan outfit stepped up the tempo after the interval, pressing high and exploiting transitions, but the Tanzanian defense remained stubborn. A potential decisive goal for Royal Army was nullified by a contentious offside decision that left players and staff furious, while Brans’ finish in the 57th minute ultimately proved enough for the home side to claim three valuable points.
Throughout the match, Royal Army’s creativity clashed with Yanga’s disciplined organization. Ahmed Hamoudan and Rabie Harimat tested the hosts’ backline, yet the final touch eluded them on the night. The result underscored the significance of starting strong in a group featuring tough rivals, and the early optimism around Yanga’s campaign was clearly evident in the stands.
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere reflected a mix of relief and ambition in Tanganyika’s capital, with both teams now eyeing the road ahead and the long road of the continental competition. The match highlighted why fans love Africa’s flagship club competition: drama, strategy, and a dash of controversy that keeps everyone talking long after the whistle.
Back in Rabat, the Royal Army’s camp will no doubt reassess its approach as they prepare for the next group matches. For Yanga, the win is a statement that their campaign has momentum and depth, and that they can punch above their weight on the continental stage.
Punchlines coming up, because football isn’t just a game, it’s a seasoning in the stew of life. If defending were an Olympic sport, this match would have called it a day early. And if the scoreboard could talk, it would probably say, “Nice try, mate — try again after breakfast.”
