CAF Confederation Cup: ASEC stall, Young Africans close in on the final

The Mimos missed their chance and will have plenty to regret, as will their supporters, who travelled in huge numbers to the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké and will leave disappointed. In a contest that was evenly balanced for long spells, and in which they gradually got on top, particularly after the break, Julien Chevalier's men never managed to find a way past USM Alger in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final (0-0). Although the Algerians had the better of the opening minutes, the Ivorians quickly levelled things up and created the best chances.

Read more: CAF Confederation Cup: Bouaké is a sea of yellow and black!

Karamoko Sankara thought he had even put them ahead on the half-hour, but his goal was eventually ruled out for offside after a VAR review (30th). Sharper in the second half, the Mimos first had a scare when Mahious made a mess of dealing with a USMA counter-attack (66th), before starting to push to try to force a winner. But the Yellow and Blacks lacked a final touch. Symbolic of that lack of cutting edge were the last two chances late in the game: one saved by Benbot, the USMA goalkeeper (89th), and one missed by Arthur Bada in front of an empty net (90th). With this result, it is USM Alger who come out ahead. The Algerians, who can thank their goalkeeper for a crucial save (60th), will host the Ivorians in the second leg on Wednesday 17 May and are now in a favourable position.

Aziz Ki and Morrison power Young Africans

Young Africans are also in a favourable position, having taken a lead and perhaps a little more on Wednesday. By beating Marumo Gallants (2-0) in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, the Tanzanian side took a big step towards the final. Reaching this stage of the competition for the first time in their history, the Tanzanians briefly feared they would not find a way through a disciplined South African side. And although the visitors even had possession, it was the Tanzanians who created the better chances, without managing to break Marumo down. It took until the hour mark for Stéphane Aziz Ki to relieve the tension in a packed Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium (64th).

The hardest part was then done for the hosts, who were heading for a narrow but precious win. But they eventually pulled clear in stoppage time thanks to Ghanaian Bernard Morrison (90th+2). With this win, Young Africans are in a more than favourable position ahead of the second leg, due to be played in South Africa.

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CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first-leg results

Young Africans 2-0 Marumo Gallants

ASEC Mimosas 0-0 USM Alger