The Tanzanian giants took massive step towards a first CAF Confederation Cup semi-final in their history.
A brace from Democratic Republic of Congo striker Fiston Mayele handed Yanga a 2-0 win over Rivers United in the first leg of their 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The result leaves River United with an awkward position as they must recover in time and beat the Tanzanian giants by the same margin away in the return match set to be played in one weeks’ time.
It was a stumbling start to the game by both teams which saw very few chances on goal early on.
The first real effort on goal came in the 14th minute when Nawagua Nekeberi fired a 25-yard shot inches wide of Young Africans goal.
Five minutes later Yanga had their chance on goal, but Fiston Mayeleheaded a right wing cross narrowly over the target.
14:45 - 23.04.2023
FOOTBALL CAF CL: Mandela’s head coach reacts after a win over CR Belouizdad
The Harambee Stars defender missed the first-leg clash due to an injury.
The best chance of the opening half fell to Gideon Duru in the 42nd minute, but the Pride of Rivers man saw his shot from just inside the box superbly saved by the keeper.
The half ended 0-0.
River United goalkeeper Victor Sochima was called into action again five minutes after the break, this time denying Fiston Mayele from range.
19:10 - 22.04.2023
FOOTBALL CAFCL: Clean sheet for Joash Onyango as Simba down defending champions Wydad
Harambee Stars defender Joash Onyango clocked 90 minutes in the African Champions League clash.
In the 57th minute Stephane Aziz Ki should really have scored for the home side following a goalmouth scramble, but his shot went over the crossbar from close range.
Yanga found their rhythm as the second half grew to an end and found the opener on the 73rd minute when Mayele pocked the ball home past Victor Sochima.
Nine minutes later, Mayele added his second when he showed some great footwork to beat his marker, before firing past Sochima to make it 2-0.
Rivers United had a chance to pull one back six later, when Emmanuel Ampiah his marker and headed towards goal, but he was brilliantly denied by a fully stretched Djigui Diara.
02:00 - 22.04.2023
FOOTBALL Dominant Esperance gain CAF Champions League advantage
The Blood and Gold put on a great display as they sent a message to the rest of the African continent
Stanley Eguma’s side continued to push forward in search of the equalizer, but ultimately came up short as Yanga held on for a valuable win away from home.
And the keeper denied Gideon Duru yet again in the closing minutes, after the striker beat the offside trap and hit a fierce shot across goal, with the Malian international producing a superb save.