YOUNG Africans SC head coach Sead Ramovic reflected on his team’s 2-0 loss to MC Alger in the CAF Champions League group stage, citing defensive lapses, missed opportunities, and the absence of key players as pivotal factors.

Despite the setback, Ramovic (pictured) expressed optimism about his team’s ability to recover and remain competitive.

The first goal came in the 64th minute when MC Alger captain Ayoub Abdelaoui capitalized on a free kick, heading the ball past goalkeeper Djigui Diara.

Reflecting on the goal, Ramovic said: “This is where we should defend better, of course. Then we tried to put more offensive players up front to equalize, but we missed a key opportunity toward the end.”

Despite their tactical adjustments, Young Africans failed to test MC Alger’s goalkeeper meaningfully, with strikers Kennedy Musonda and Maxi Nzengeli struggling to convert chances. 

Young Africans’ inefficiency in front of goal proved costly as substitute Soufiane Bayazid capitalized on a late defensive error to seal the victory in the 91st minute.

Ramovic highlighted the absence of four critical players - central defender Dickson Job, defensive midfielder Khalid Aucho, left-back Shadrack Boka, and winger Clement Mzize - due to injuries.

“If you play without four starters who are key players, it’s not easy. These injuries undoubtedly affected our performance,” Ramovic explained.

The coach also stressed the need for improved fitness and better adaptation to his high-intensity playing style. 

“We have 25 good players, but we need to improve our compactness and defensive organization. The first offensive action is to defend well because defending well sets the stage for better attacks,” he added.

The defeat leaves Young Africans at the bottom of Group A without a point, following an earlier 2-0 loss to Al Hilal. 

MC Alger, Al Hilal, and TP Mazembe occupy the top spots. The Tanzanian champions now face a crucial away match against TP Mazembe on December 14.

Ramovic remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back, saying: “It’s not the start we wanted, but my belief in this team is strong. We will work hard and turn this around. There’s no room for doubt.”

This loss continued Young Africans' challenging history with MC Alger, following a 4-0 defeat in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup. However, the Tanzanian side had previously secured a 1-0 victory against the Algerians in the first leg of that tie.

Young Africans must secure a positive result against TP Mazembe to revive their campaign and keep their hopes of advancing alive. With the stakes higher than ever, the Tanzanian champions are determined to rise to the occasion.