Twenty six times Tanzania Premier League champions Young Africans trounced Libya’s JS Kabylie with a convincing 3-0 win in the final round of the CAF Champions League group stage matches but their impressive victory was not enough to keep their continental dream alive.
Angola international Laurindo Dilson Maria Aurélio known as Depu converted from the spot to open the scoring for the home team, as they went to the halftime break with the advantage.
The host showcased resilience and determination in the second half, with Laurindo Dilson Maria Aurélio. Depú struck again in the 63rd minute, and three minutes later Congolese left back Chadrack Boka signed from FC Saint Eloi Lupopo added the third to seal the result.
JS Kabylie struggled to contain the Tanzanian champions, who created numerous chances and controlled large spells of the encounter.
Despite the commanding result, Young Africans have bowed out of the competition. They fell short of qualification following the 0-0 stalemate between Al Ahly and FAR Rabat in Cairo.
For JS Kabylie, the defeat marked a disappointing end to the competition after finishing bottom of Group B, with a paltry three points from six matches.
Al Ahly secured top spot in Group B after six matches, accumulating 10 points, followed by FAR Rabat (9 points), with Young Africans finishing third with 8 points, just a point behind the Moroccan club.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set February 17, 2026 for the Champions League quarterfinal draw.
Young Africana and JS Kabylie will have to shift their attention to domestic competitions after bowing out of the continental competitions.