Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
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The CAF Champions League continues this Saturday, December 14, with a third-round matchup between Mazembe from DR Congo and Young Africans from Tanzania. Here’s an analysis and prediction for the winner of this match.
Mazembe vs Young Africans: Match facts and head-to-head stats
- Mazembe has lost only once in their last seven matches.
- Young Africans have won just one of their last five matches.
- Mazembe has an impressive home record, remaining unbeaten on their home ground for over a year.
- Young Africans have lost just one of their last 18 away matches, though that loss came in their most recent game.
- Mazembe scores more than 1.5 goals in 60% of their matches and over 2.5 goals in 50%.
- Young Africans have won 76% of their matches with a clean sheet, compared to Mazembe’s 20%.
- The two teams have faced each other four times, with both sides exchanging wins.
Mazembe vs. Young Africans: Match preview
Mazembe has had a challenging start to their CAF Champions League campaign, earning just one point so far. After a 0-0 draw in their opening match, they suffered a 1-2 defeat against Al-Hilal in their second game. Despite sitting third in their group, there is still plenty to play for, with four matches remaining. Their unbeaten home record for over a year makes them strong favorites for this clash. Domestically, Mazembe is performing well, with 19 points from eight matches, trailing the league leaders by five points but with two games in hand. In their last five matches across competitions, Mazembe has won three times, drawn once, and lost once.
Young Africans have had a poor start in the CAF Champions League, with two consecutive 0-2 losses, leaving them with zero points after two rounds. With four games remaining, they still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs, but playing away at Mazembe presents a significant challenge. Domestically, they are faring much better, with 27 points from 11 matches and just three points behind the league leaders with two games in hand. The team will need to dig deep to earn points against a formidable home side like Mazembe.
Probable lineups
- Mazembe: Faty; Luzolo Sita, Mungwengi, Ntambwe, Rajabu; Diouf, Ngalamulume, Badamassi; Fofana, Mudjaya, Chikomb
- Young Africans: Diarra; Kibabage, Job, Hamad, Attohula; Zouzoua, Yahya, Aziz Ki, Nzengei; Abuya, Dube
Prediction
Mazembe’s excellent home record is a crucial factor in this game, especially given their current position in the group. While Young Africans will likely put up a fight, as they cannot afford to lose, Mazembe’s home advantage should see them through. My bet is on Mazembe to win, with odds of 1.76.
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