Yanga close gap on Simba

Dar es Salaam. In-form Young Africans underlined their quest for the Mainland Premier League title with a 3-1 win over Stand United at the National Stadium yesterday.

It was a 13th win in 21 outings for Yanga in the league, which is now inching towards the home stretch.

As a result, the Mainland giants now tie on 46 points with league leaders Simba, but they are two clear of Azam FC in third.

Stand United, who forced Simba to a three-all draw last week at the same venue, are 11th with 22 points, six ahead of bottom-placed Majimaji.

Yanga, needing a win to dislodge Azam and consolidate their grip on second place, went one up six minutes into the game through Yusuph Mhilu.

Looking unperturbed, Stand pressed upfront relentlessly in search of an equaliser.

In the ninth minute, Yanga survived a scare when Stand striker Tarq Seif beat two defenders just outside the penalty box to unleash a shot that forced goalkeeper Youthe Rostand to dive full length to clear it.

Ibrahim Ajib capitalised on a defensive mix-up to make it 2-0 for the hosts in the 12th after he was set up by Gadiel Michael.

Ajib almost came into the picture again five minutes later when his sizzling shot narrowly missed target.

Stand pulled one back in the second half before Obrey Chirwa hit a final pin on the Shinyanga team in the 85th minute off a Pius Buswita pass.

In the last 15 minutes, Stand were a more aggressive side. They went close several times, but poor finishing cost them dearly.

Line Ups:

Yanga:- Youthe Rostand, Juma Abdul, Gadiel Michael, Said Makapu, Kelvin Yondani, Maka Edward, Yusuph Mhilu, Pius Buswita,Obrey Chirwa, Raphael Daudi and Ibrahim Ajib

Stand United:- Mohamed Makaka, Aron Lulambo, Miraj Maka, Ally Ally, Erick Mulilo, Jisemo Athanas, Bigirimana Blaise, Abdul Swamad, Tariq Seif, Ndikumana Selemani and Vitalis Mayanga.