The result marked a perfect league debut for new head coach Romain Folz, whose tactical adjustments transformed his side after a slow first half
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans SC (Yanga) have kicked off their NBC Premier League title defence in emphatic fashion, cruising past Pamba Jiji FC 3-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam today, September 24, 2025.
The result marked a perfect league debut for new head coach Romain Folz, whose tactical adjustments transformed his side after a slow first half.
Despite dominating early possession, Yanga’s first-half performance left their fans restless. The build-up was labored, and Pamba Jiji defended with discipline, frustrating the home side’s attacking threats.
However, Yanga’s persistence paid off in the third minute of first-half stoppage time when new signing Lassine Kouma opened his account. Rising above the defense, Kouma met Edmund John’s well-delivered corner with a powerful header that sent the stadium into celebration.
The goal provided relief, ensuring Yanga went into the break 1-0 ahead. The second half belonged entirely to the champions. Folz introduced five substitutions from the 56th minute, and the changes gave Yanga renewed energy and attacking bite.
The passing became sharper, movement more fluid, and the hosts began to carve through Pamba Jiji’s backline.
In the 61st minute, Yanga doubled their lead through Maxi Nzengeli. The Congolese winger connected perfectly with a cross from left-back Mohammed Hussein “Tshabalala,” who was making his first start of the season.
Nzengeli’s composed finish underlined his knack for delivering on big occasions and pushed Yanga further in control of the contest.
With the home crowd firmly behind them, Yanga piled on the pressure and dictated play with confidence. Pamba Jiji struggled to get forward, finding themselves pinned deep in their own half and unable to string passes together.
Yanga’s midfield trio dictated tempo, while their wide players kept stretching the visitors’ defense.
The third and final goal arrived just before the end of regulation time. In the 89th minute, Ivorian playmaker Pacome Zouzoua, who had been lively since coming on, curled in a dangerous cross. Midfielder Mudathir Yahya timed his run perfectly and headed the ball home, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory. The finish capped a dominant second-half display that delighted the home fans.
For Folz, the result could hardly have been a better start to his NBC Premier League journey with Yanga. His side showed resilience to overcome a nervy first half and then displayed the depth and quality that have made them perennial contenders.
The tactical substitutions he introduced shifted the momentum decisively in Yanga’s favor, a sign of his willingness to adapt and inject energy when needed.
The win places Yanga among the early pace-setters in the league standings and sends a clear message to their rivals.
While the season is still in its infancy, the defending champions have underlined their ambition to continue their dominance. If this opening performance is any indication, Folz’s reign promises both stability and attacking flair.
