Medeama SC have officially exited the CAF Champions League after Young Africans secured a commanding 4-0 victory over CR Belouizdad in Tanzania, ending the Ghanaian club’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Heading into the match, Medeama were hoping for a stalemate that would have kept them in contention, but Young Africans proved too strong, claiming a win that propelled them to eight points, just one behind group leaders Al Ahly.
Medeama, with only four points, are now mathematically unable to qualify, even if they achieve a big win against CR Belouizdad in their final group match in Algeria. Belouizdad are also eliminated, as Young Africans’ superior head-to-head record ensures their progression, having won 4-3 on aggregate over two legs against the Algerians.
Medeama’s elimination is partly self-inflicted, as the team squandered several chances in their recent home game against African champions Al Ahly in Kumasi. Despite dominating portions of the match, they failed to convert opportunities, with Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir making a series of crucial saves to keep the visitors ahead.
The Ghanaian side’s debut campaign in the group stage ends in disappointment, but it still marks a learning experience for the club at Africa’s top club competition.
