Yanga unbowed by Tunis defeat

By Emmanuel Muga
BBC Sport, Tunis

Esperance's Mouin Chaabani (left) vies with defender Nadir Haroub

The coach of Tanzania's Young Africans believes his side can still qualify for the lucrative group stages of the Champions League despite Friday's 3-0 defeat by Esperance in Tunis.

Milutin Sredejovic's team were taken apart at the El Menzah Stadium in the Tunisian capital but the coach was unbowed.

"It may sound like a dream but given what I saw here, I believe we can do the job and go through," Sredejovic told BBC Sport.

"We will tighten our defence and then attack from the wings.

"With hard work we are going to put in the preparations, and we will give Esperance hard time in Mwanza.

"What I am doing now is instilling confidence and self-belief in the payers that we can qualify."

Young Africans's problems began after 15 minutes when key defender Hamis Yusuph was sent off for a second bookable offence, allowing Esperance to pitch camp in their territory. The 1994 African champions were kept at bay until the 28th minute when Zaem Kamel lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda from outside the area.

Cheered on by a modest crowd, Esperance piled on more pressure but Yanga's defence of Nadir Haroub, Shadrack Nsajigwa and Wisdom Ndlovu stood strong to ensure it was only 1-0 at half-time.

Esperance started the second half very brightly, forcing a host of corners and free-kicks, their efforts paid dividends in the 65th minute when Latief Ameen extended their lead with a powerful header off a Zamel Kamel corner.

Six minutes later, Taesi Walid wrapped things up for the hosts with a low volley from the 6-yard box after he was set up by Moroccan international Abou Charwane Hishem.

Despite playing defensively, Yanga managed to make numerous dangerous incursions into Esperance's territory.

Thomas Maurice had the visitor's best chance when he was put through by Abdi Kassim and came face to face with goalkeeper Kassraou Hamdi.

Yet the Esperance stopper threw his whole body in front of him and the ball bounced away to safety.

Nonetheless, Yanga coach Sredejovic was still dreaming of Champions League progress at the finish.