Tanzanian football giants Young Africans SC (Yanga) have confirmed the signing of Moussa Balla Conté, a 21‑year-old defensive midfielder from CS Sfaxien in Tunisia, on a three‑year contract running through June 2028. Conté’s arrival follows the departure of long‑serving midfield anchor Khalid Aucho, whose contract renewal talks collapsed and who is expected to move abroad. His signing signals Yanga’s ambition to refresh its midfield with youthful talent capable of delivering both domestic dominance and continental progress.
The transfer comes amid speculation that rival club Simba SC was in advanced talks with the player, but Yanga swooped in and closed the deal with speed and precision.
Who Is Moussa Balla Conté?
Moussa Balla Conté was born in Kamsar, Guinea, on April 15, 2004. He is a dynamic defensive midfielder known for his tactical intelligence, strong work rate, and ball-winning ability. Standing at 1.86 meters tall, he offers a strong physical presence in midfield while also being comfortable in possession, a key asset for any team competing in African continental tournaments.
During his time at CS Sfaxien, Conté made a name for himself with standout performances in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 and in the CAF Confederation Cup, where he regularly featured against top African clubs. Notably, he impressed in both legs against Simba SC earlier this year, which is believed to have attracted the attention of Tanzanian clubs.
Why Yanga Signed Him?
Yanga’s move for Conté comes at a critical time. The club recently parted ways with Khalid Aucho, their experienced Ugandan midfielder, after failing to agree on a contract extension. Aucho reportedly requested a two-year deal, while Yanga was only prepared to offer one, leading to the breakdown in talks.
Realizing the void left by Aucho, Yanga wasted no time. Club officials reportedly entered discussions with CS Sfaxien directly and were able to reach an agreement both on the transfer fee and personal terms. Conté has already been unveiled and described by the club as “a modern midfield engineer,” a testament to his ability to dictate play from deep areas.
Simba SC’s Missed Opportunity
Reports earlier this month suggested that
Simba SC were close to signing Conté, having even agreed on personal terms. The club saw him as a potential long-term replacement for some of their aging midfielders and believed his performances against them in the CAF Confederation Cup justified a formal move.
However, Simba's negotiations were drawn out. While they were confident in securing the player, Yanga SC acted faster and more decisively. According to sources close to the transfer, Simba failed to match the financial and development package that Yanga offered both to CS Sfaxien and the player himself.
For Simba, this loss is more than just a missed signing; it reflects growing concerns among fans about the club’s ability to compete in the transfer market, especially against arch-rivals Yanga, who are increasingly assertive and aggressive in their scouting strategy.
A Tactical Replacement for Khalid Aucho
Yanga SC has built a team focused on youth, tactical discipline, and continental competitiveness. Conté fits this mold perfectly. At just 21, he already has continental experience, plays with maturity beyond his years, and shows leadership qualities on the pitch.
More importantly, he provides a direct replacement for Aucho in the holding role-shielding the defense, winning second balls, and initiating attacks. His versatility means he can also play in a box-to-box role if Yanga decides to deploy a double pivot in midfield.
With CAF Champions League qualification secured, Yanga needs squad depth and international-level quality, and Conté brings just that.
What This Means for Tanzanian Football
The transfer of Moussa Balla Conté to Yanga SC is more than just a signing-it's a statement. Yanga has shown that they are not only champions on the field but are now becoming a dominant force in the transfer market. For Simba SC, the loss of a priority target to their biggest rivals is a bitter pill to swallow and a wake-up call.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Conté to see if he can live up to expectations and help
Yanga SC maintain domestic supremacy and achieve new heights in continental football.
💬 What’s Your Take on the Move?
Do you think Moussa Balla Conté is the right fit for Yanga SC? Can he fill the gap left by Aucho and make an impact in continental football?
Whether you're a Yanga fan, Simba supporter, or just love African football — share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk football, the beautiful game that unites us all. ⚽
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