Yanga forwards Malimi Busungu (centre), Amissi Tambwe and Deus Kaseke celebrate after scoring in a Vodacom Premier League match against Simba at the National Stadium yesterday. Yanga won 2-0. PHOTO|SAID KHAMIS
What you need to know:
Yanga’s victory over their nemesis has come after over two and a half years of waiting painfully. The last time they beat Simba was back in May, 2013 when Didier Kavumbagu and Hamis Kiiza scored in a 2-0 win.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans fans breathed a sigh of relief after Amissi Tambwe and substitute Malimi Busungu struck to hand the Vodacom Premier League reigning champions a 2-0 win over arch-rivals Simba SC, at the National Stadium yesterday.
Yanga’s victory over their nemesis has come after over two and a half years of waiting painfully. The last time they beat Simba was back in May, 2013 when Didier Kavumbagu and Hamis Kiiza scored in a 2-0 win.
Yesterday’s victory strengthened the Jangwani Street heavyweight’s grip on the top spot with 12 points thanks to their superior goal difference. Mtibwa Sugar also maintained their 100 per cent winning record after edging Majimaji FC 1-0 at Manungu ground yesterday. They have so far garnered 12 points from four outings.
At the 60,000-seater stadium, Simba kicked off the match confidently and went close to drawing the first blood as early as the second minute.
Hassan Ramadhani whipped a teasing low cross into the penalty area, but Mussa Mgosi’s feeble shot was cleared by Kevin Yondani.
Simba, who have enjoyed beating their foes in recent years, continued to press forward, but Yanga defenders dealt with the assaults superbly.
In the 24th minute, Said Ndemla threaded the ball through to Hamisi Kiiza, but the Ugandan’s ferocious shot was blocked by Nadir Haroub.
Yanga made their first dangerous attack in the 41st minute when Tambwe unleashed a volley from outside the box, which however was parried by Peter Manyika for an abortive corner.
A minute before halftime, Busungu, who had replaced Simon Msuva in the 34th minute, set up the Burundian who fire past ball-watching Manyika.
Yanga went into the break leading 1-0, but Simba were the better team throughout the first 45 minutes.
After the recess, Yanga came out of the blocks, launching a series of attacks that forced Simba into a defensive strategy.
However, the Jangwani boys had to wait until the 80th minute to double their advantage. Busungu capitalised on a deflected ball to head home. Simba coach Dylan Kerr then introduced Pape Abdoulaye N’daw to reinforce the attacking department.
The introduction of the Senegalese reenergised the forward line and Kiiza missed a sitter a few minutes to time.
In Tabora, Kagera Sugar played out a goalless draw with Toto African while JKT Ruvu’s poor form continued at home after slumping to a 1-0 loss to Stand United.
Tanzania Prisons beat Mgambo JKT 1-0 at Sokoine Stadium while Coastal Union and Mwadui FC battled to a barren draw at Mkwakwani Stadium.
