Yanga win 30th Tanzania Premier League title
What you need to know:
The win also marks Yanga's third consecutive Mainland Premier League title. Yanga’s past titles was in 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and the current season.
In addition to claiming the title, Yanga have earned the opportunity to represent the country in the upcoming edition of the CAF Champions League.
Dar es Salaam. Football giants Young Africans (Yanga) have secured the 30th Mainland Tanzania title after amassing 71 points, an unreachable tally for any team in the ongoing Mainland Tanzania Premier League.
Yanga reached the number of points following their 3-1 victory against Mtibwa Sugar at the Manungu Complex in Morogoro on May 13, 2024.
The win also marks Yanga's third consecutive Mainland Premier League title. Yanga’s past titles was in 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and the current season.
In addition to claiming the title, Yanga have earned the opportunity to represent the country in the upcoming edition of the CAF Champions League.
Mtibwa Sugar were the first to score through Charles Ilanfya's in the 32nd minute, but Yanga equalized through Kennedy Musonda in the 63rd minute, courtesy of a precise pass from Mudathir Yahya.
Yanga then took the lead with Nasir Kombo's own goal in the 67th minute, followed by Clement Mzize's goal in the 81st minute, assisted by Bakari Mwamnyeto.
Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi praised his players for their resilience despite facing tough opposition from Mtibwa Sugar.
Gamondi admitted Mtibwa Sugar's strong performance in the encounter, particularly in the first half.
"It was not an easy match as Mtibwa Sugar fought hard in both halves. I reminded my players to stay focused, especially considering that Mtibwa Sugar is battling relegation. Fortunately, my players executed our game plan well," said Gamondi, who led the team for the first time after the departure of Nesreddine Nabi, who guided Yanga to two consecutive seasons of success.
Mtibwa Sugar head coach Zubeiry Katwila admitted the defeat was due to mistakes made by his players.
"We performed well in the first half and created several scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, we failed to capitalize on them," said Katwila.
With 20 points from 27 matches, Mtibwa Sugar currently sit at the bottom of the league standings and could potentially reach 29 points if they win all remaining matches.
"We still have a chance to remain in the league if we win all three remaining matches," said Katwila.
Yanga's next match will be against Dodoma Jiji FC at Jamuhuri Stadium in Dodoma on May 22, 2024.
They will then host Tabora United on May 25, followed by their final match against Tanzania Prisons on May 28 at the Azam Complex.
