Yanga Head Coach Romain Folz handed debuts to four new players yesterday in the friendly match against Rayon Sports at Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda.
Midfielders Moussa Balla Conte, Mohamed Doumbia, winger Celestin Ecua, and striker Andy Boyeli all started the first half of the match, which Yanga went on to win 3-1.
As Yanga’s first competitive test since starting pre-season training 10 days ago, the newcomers impressed and gave fans hope about the team’s future strength.
Conte linked up well with the defense by cutting off attacks, while Doumbia was everywhere in midfield, orchestrating play for the team.
Ecua showed his danger in the final third, with moments where he was fouled inside the box but the referee took no action.
Boyeli needed just 45 minutes to prove Yanga made no mistake signing him from South Africa. He scored Yanga’s equalizer before setting up Pacome Zouzoua for the second goal.
After halftime, Folz made sweeping changes, bringing off most of the starters and giving other new signings Lassine Kouma, Offen Chikola, and Edmund John their chances.
Chikola was the standout in the second half, playing a key role in the third goal scored by captain Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto. His corner kick was perfectly converted by Mwamnyeto’s header to seal Yanga’s first pre-season trophy.
Speaking after the match, Folz admitted the team still lacked cohesion but praised his players for partially executing their plans.
"We were unlucky to concede an early goal, which was down to carelessness, and for much of the game we gave away possession too cheaply. We are still not in sync tactically and technically. To be clear, we are still far from where we want to be," said Folz.
