Yanga SC delivered a footballing masterclass on their way to a statement 8-1 victory over Stand United in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup quarterfinals—their biggest win in the tournament this season.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIt was a night of attacking brilliance and tactical dominance, led by the sensational Stephane Aziz Ki, who put in a Man of the Match performance with four goals and two assists.This emphatic win not only reinforced Yanga’s credentials as title contenders but also set up a tantalising semifinal clash against JKT Prisons. Meanwhile, arch-rivals Simba SC will face Singida Black Stars in the other semifinal, setting the stage for a potentially explosive final.Cash strapped National Super League club goes into dissolutionTactical Breakdown: Yanga’s Ruthless ExecutionYanga lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 system with Djigui Diarra between the posts. Shomari Kibwana and Clement Kibabage took up fullback duties, while Bakari Mwamnyeto and Ibrahim Bacca anchored the central defence.Duke Abuya and Maxi Nzengeli formed the double pivot in midfield, shielding the back line and orchestrating the buildup. Aziz Ki operated as the central attacking midfielder, flanked by Clatous Chama and Ikanga Lombo, with Prince Dube leading the line.##NAJAVA_MECA_8859964##Miloud Hamdi’s approach was textbook Yanga—build from the back, stretch the opposition, and create overloads in key areas. Bacca and Mwamnyeto split wide during build-up, forming a triangle with one of the dropping midfielders—either Abuya or Nzengeli—to ease pressure and progress the ball.Stand United opted to sit in a low block, but this strategy quickly backfired. Yanga’s build-up. Abuya forming a triangle with Bacca and Mwamnyeto as the fullbacks provided width.Nairobi United custodian sets sight on NSL, Mozzart Bet Cup doubleYanga’s fullbacks pushed high to provide width, while Chama and Lombo tucked inside into the half-spaces. This intelligent positioning created central overloads, allowing Yanga to dominate the midfield and move the ball fluently.Stand United were unable to cope with Yanga’s quick interchanges and off-the-ball movement.The major flaw in Stand United’s game plan became evident early on: poor tracking of runners, disjointed lines between defence and midfield, and a failure to contain Aziz Ki.##NAJAVA_MECA_8860011##The Burkinabe maestro thrived in the spaces offered to him, drifting between the lines and dictating the tempo. His opening goal was a perfect example—Nzengeli picked him out with a pinpoint through ball, and Aziz Ki coolly slotted it past the goalkeeper Nzengeli’s line-breaking pass to set up Aziz Ki for Yanga’s first goalThat goal exposed the cracks in Stand United’s structure: a gaping gap between their left centre-back and left-back, a poorly protected midfield line, and little awareness of off-ball runs.Find out when Kakamega Homeboyz new kits will hit shelvesTime and again, Yanga exploited these weaknesses, with Chama and Kibabage also finding the net through well-timed runs behind a static backline.Aziz Ki, meanwhile, continued to orchestrate havoc—whether threading passes, taking shots from range, or ghosting into goal-scoring positions. His ability to sense and exploit space made him unplayable on the day.But Yanga’s adventurous setup was not without risk. With fullbacks and midfielders pushed high, they left space in the channels—something Stand United occasionally took advantage of.##NAJAVA_MECA_8860029##In fact, their lone goal came from one such moment. Msande Sande found himself in the left channel, beat Mwamnyeto with ease, and curled a beautiful shot past Diarra to give the visitors a brief moment of joy. Yanga’s Vulnerabilities on the counter attack. A lot of space to exploit behind the defence and in the channels.Yanga had anticipated this and countered with a high pressing game to limit Stand United’s opportunities on the break. For the most part, the press worked effectively, snuffing out any rhythm the visitors tried to build.Owalo’s key promises to Gor Mahia after becoming club Deputy PatronStill, the few moments when United bypassed the press proved how vulnerable Yanga could be in transition if not fully alert.Yanga’s quarterfinal triumph was more than just a win—it was a statement. In their biggest victory of the tournament so far, they showcased fluidity, structure, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal.Aziz Ki’s dazzling display capped off a dominant team performance that left little doubt about their intent to go all the way.##NAJAVA_MECA_8860026##As they now turn their focus to a semifinal clash with JKT Prisons, the momentum is firmly with them. With Simba SC squaring off against Singida Black Stars in the other semi, the dream of a Yanga-Simba final remains alive—and after a performance like this, few would bet against Yanga making it there.
