Abuya debuted for Yanga against FC Augsburg showing promise amidst intense action in a friendly match.
Kenya international midfielder Duke Abuya made his debut for Tanzania Premier League giants Yanga by coming off the bench to play in their 2-1 loss over Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in a friendly encounter played in South Africa on Saturday.
Abuya and Yanga inked the deal a fortnight ago in a partnership that was first proposed in 2019 when the midfielder starred for Kariobangi Sharks in the SportPesa Super Cup.
Augsburg got off to a good start as they were able to get in behind the Yanga’s defense.
Henri Koudosso burst into the Tanzanian box from the left side and forced goalkeeper Digui Diarra into making a low save in the fifth minute.
Yanga were able to weather the early storm and they surged forward in numbers in the 32nd minute when Maxi Nzengel set up Azi Ki who was denied by keeper Daniel Klei.
Augsburg were hungry for the opener and they managed to find the back of the net in the 37th minute when Mads Pederson sent a powerful shot past Diarra to hand the Germans a 1-0 lead heading into the half-time break.
Yanga came back rejuvenated following their half-time team talk with coach Miguel Gamondi and they had an opportunity to pull one back through their goalscoring midfielder Clatous Chama.
However, Daniel Klein was alert as he pulled off a great save to deny the former Simba SC man, and Gamondi duly decided to make changes as he introduced Prince Dumbe and Jean Baleke.
Augsburg doubled their lead in the 80th minute Okugawa teed up Philipe Tietz who converted from close range to make it 2-0.
The momentum was with Yanga in the closing proceedings and Duke Abuya had a chance to score with seven minutes left, but his effort was blocked by Germans defence.
DR Congo international Jean Baleke managed to score one for Yanga through a powerful header that left goalkeeper Jager stranded between the posts
The Bundesliga side then stood firm at the back in the remaining minutes of the game and ultimately they ran out 2-1 winners on the night.
How they lined up:
FC Augsburg: Daniel Klein, Mads Pederson, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Elvis Rexhbecaj, Steve Mounie, Tim Breithaupt, Fredrik Jensen, Arne Engels, Samuel Essende, Keven Schlottwerbeck, Henri Koudossou
2nd half lineup: Jäger , Banks, Pfeiffer, Bauer, Petkov, Dorsch, Maier, Kömür, Okugawa, Tietz, Kabada
Yanga: Digui Diarra, Kouassi Yao, Nickson Kibabage, Ibrahim Aboullah, Dickson Job, Salum Abubakar, Mudathir Yauya, Maxi Nzengel, Clement Nzize, Aziz Ki, Clacous Chama
