Silver’s CAF Champions League hopes have been extinguished after crashing out of the competition following a 2-0 defeat to Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga) in the return leg played yesterday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The result saw Yanga overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to progress 2-1 on aggregate and seal their place in the lucrative group stages, while the Bankers’ continental dream came to a premature end.
It was a nightmare start for the Central Bankers, who went into the tie with a narrow advantage courtesy of their first-leg win in Lilongwe.
Under former Flames coach Patrick Mabedi, appointed just days after Yanga dismissed Roman Folz, the hosts showed attacking intent from the first whistle.
Their pressure paid off as early as the sixth minute when they grabbed the opener through Dickson Job to level the tie on aggregate.
Silver, who appeared rattled by the early setback, struggled to settle into rhythm and were pinned back by a relentless Yanga attack.
The Tanzanian giants continued to dictate play and their dominance was rewarded in the 38th minute when they doubled their lead through Pacôme Zouzoua to take a 2-1 aggregate advantage.
Mabedi’s charges were sharper, quicker to the ball and capitalised on Silver’s defensive lapses, while the visitors found it difficult to cope with the pace and movement of the Yanga forwards.
Silver’s few attacking forays were easily contained, with strikers Andrew Joseph and Stain Davie isolated.
Midfielder Uchizi Vunga’s attempts to orchestrate play from the deep were neutralised by Yanga’s high pressing.
After the break, Silver improved their play but could not find an equaliser that could have take them to the next stage of the competition on away goals rule.
In a post match interview, Silvert coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa expressed disappointment at his side’s inability to capitalise on their first-leg advantage.
