The hard-earned victory underlined Yanga’s growing authority this season, as the champions once again demonstrated composure under pressure, tactical discipline and attacking efficiency to overturn a first-half deficit and collect maximum points
Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania premier league defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) climbed to the top of the league table after producing a spirited second-half performance to defeat a resilient Dodoma Jiji FC 3-1 in a fiercely contested encounter at the KMC Complex today, January 27, 2026.
The hard-earned victory underlined Yanga’s growing authority this season, as the champions once again demonstrated composure under pressure, tactical discipline and attacking efficiency to overturn a first-half deficit and collect maximum points.
The win lifted them to the summit of the standings with 22 points, strengthening their credentials as early title frontrunners.
Dodoma Jiji FC arrived with a clear tactical plan and executed it impressively in the opening half, frustrating Yanga with compact defending and swift counter-attacks.
Their disciplined approach limited space for the champions and forced uncharacteristic errors, allowing the visitors to grow in confidence as the half progressed.
That confidence was rewarded in the 42nd minute when Dodoma Jiji broke the deadlock through Edgar Williams.
The goal resulted from a costly lapse in Yanga’s build-up play, as an attempted blind pass from Pacôme Zouzoua was intercepted, triggering a rapid transition.
Nelson Munganga delivered a perfectly weighted pass that split Yanga’s defense, catching Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad and Frank Assinki off guard after a moment of hesitation. Williams capitalised, finishing calmly past first-choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
Despite conceding late in the half, Yanga showed their maturity by responding immediately. Just five minutes later, they were handed a lifeline when defender Andy Bikoko was penalised for a mistimed challenge on Maxi Nzengeli inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and striker Depu stepped up confidently to convert the penalty in stoppage time (45+6), restoring parity before the break and swinging momentum back in Yanga’s favour.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Yanga emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and purpose.
They dominated possession, raised the tempo and began to stretch Dodoma Jiji’s defensive lines with sharper movement and quicker passing.
The sustained pressure finally paid off in the 61st minute when Depu struck again, finishing clinically after a well-timed assist from Duke Abuya.
The goal was Depu’s third in the league, all scored in just two matches, highlighting his growing influence in Yanga’s attack.
With Dodoma Jiji struggling to regroup, Yanga pressed for a decisive third goal. It arrived in the 67th minute through Prince Dube, who capitalised on defensive errors to calmly slot home and seal the comeback.
The strike marked Dube’s fourth goal of the season, underlining his consistency and importance to the champions.
The final whistle confirmed a statement victory for Yanga, who now sit top of the table with 22 points. For Dodoma Jiji, it was a spirited display undone by second-half lapses, as Yanga’s experience, depth and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive.
