Yanga extend points gap over Azam FC and Simba

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football powerhouse, Young Africans SC (Yanga), maintained their winning streak in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya today.

Yanga found the net through Clement Mzize in the eighth minute, capitalising on a good pass from Pacome Zouzoua amidst defensive errors from Tanzania Prisons.

The goal increased the the pace of the game, with Tanzania Prisons pressing for an equaliser while Yanga sought to extend their lead.

Yanga celebrated their second goal just before halftime, scored by Zouzoua in the 45th minute after a well-executed pass from Kouassi Attohoula Yao, giving them a 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Tanzania Prisons came out strong, putting pressure on Yanga's defence in search of equalising goals.

The Mbeya region’s league giants managed to score their lone goal through Jeremia Juma Mkunda, who converted a free kick in the 63rd minute after Yanga’s goalkeeper, Metacha Mnata, fouled Samson Mbagula just outside the penalty area.

Mnata received a red card from match referee Ahmed Arajiga for the foul, prompting Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, to substitute Farid Mussa forgoalkeeper Aboutwalib Mshery.

Arajiga also issued a second yellow card to Zabona Mayombya in the 87th minute for simulation.

With this victory, Yanga now have 40 points from 15 matches, widening the gap to eight points ahead of the second-placed team, Azam FC, who have collected 32 points from 14 matches. Yanga also maintain a 10-point lead over their traditional rivals, Simba SC, who are in third place with 30 points from 13 matches.

The victory also added flavor to Yanga’s 89th birthday celebration after the match.

The league fixture show that Simba SC will face Geita Gold FC at CCM Kirumba Stadium in another anticipated tough encounter.