Kangwanda, Shalulile power Yanga to another emphatic win

Dar es Salaam. Albert Kangwanda and Peter Shalulile were at the heart of another commanding Young Africans (Yanga) performance as the defending champions thrashed JKT Tanzania 4-0 today, August 24, 2026 at the KMC to maintain their perfect start to the NBC Premier League season.

Kangwanda scored once and created two goals, while Shalulile added the fourth as Yanga produced another clinical attacking display to register their third consecutive league victory.

The result took Yanga to nine points, moving them to the top of the early standings on goal difference ahead of Simba, who also have nine points after three matches.

Yanga have now scored 11 goals in their opening three league matches, an early indication of the attacking threat they possess as they seek to defend the title.

Kangwanda once again proved to be the difference-maker.

The Zambia international opened the scoring in the 28th minute, extending his scoring run to three consecutive league matches since arriving at Yanga from Red Arrows, where he was voted the Zambian Premier League Most Valuable Player last season.

His goal came after Yanga had gradually taken control of the contest, with the midfielder finding space to finish and put the champions ahead.

JKT struggled to contain Yanga's movement thereafter, and the visitors soon found themselves two goals down.

Ibrahim Bacca doubled the advantage with a header following a cleverly worked free kick. Kangwanda was again involved in creating the opportunity before Housseine Zoukaine supplied the decisive delivery.

Yanga's set-piece threat continued to cause problems, and Kangwanda turned provider for the third goal.

His delivery from another dangerous free kick found Chadrack Boka, who kept his composure to beat the JKT defence and score his second league goal of the season.

At 3-0, Yanga had effectively taken control of the match, but the champions continued to push forward rather than settle for their advantage.

Kangwanda completed his outstanding individual contribution in the 63rd minute when he sent a low cross into the penalty area for Shalulile.

The Namibian striker made no mistake, finishing clinically to score his second league goal since joining Yanga and seal a 4-0 victory.

The combination between Kangwanda and Shalulile offered another encouraging sign for coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who has been tasked with maintaining Yanga's dominance after the club won a fifth consecutive league title last season.

Kangwanda's influence, in particular, is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.

Three matches into the league campaign, he has already established himself as one of Yanga's principal attacking outlets, scoring in three successive games while also contributing assists and creating opportunities for his teammates.

His performance against JKT earned him the Player of the Match award, a fitting recognition of a display in which almost every dangerous Yanga attack appeared to involve him.

Shalulile, meanwhile, is beginning to find his rhythm. His second league goal adds to the growing expectation surrounding the former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, whose arrival has given Yanga another proven attacking option.

The four-goal victory also demonstrated Yanga's growing efficiency in front of goal. They scored through three different players and created goals from both set pieces and open play, making them increasingly difficult for opponents to contain.

The result means Yanga remain unbeaten after three matches, having opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Namungo before defeating Coastal Union 4-1.

Their 11 goals are also the most scored by any team at the top of the standings at this early stage, although Simba remain level on points after also winning all three of their matches.

The early standings show Yanga and Simba leading the race with nine points each, while Geita Gold and Mbeya City follow on six points. Singida Black Stars and Polisi Tanzania have four points apiece.

While the season is still in its early stages, Yanga's start provides a strong indication that the champions remain determined to set the pace.

For JKT, the heavy defeat leaves them with just one point from their opening three matches, increasing the pressure to improve their results quickly.

For Yanga, however, the message is already becoming clear.

With Kangwanda creating and scoring, Shalulile finding his range and the team producing goals consistently, the champions have begun their title defence in emphatic fashion.