Yanga extend points gap over Azam FC and Simba

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football powerhouse, Young Africans SC (Yanga), have widened the points gap against Azam FC in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League following a 3-0 victory against Singida Fountain Gate FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium on April 14, 2024.

The result means Yanga are at the top with 55 points from 21 matches, eight ahead of Azam FC in second place, and nine ahead of Simba, who are third with 46 points from 20 matches.

Singida Fountain Gate FC are in the ninth place with 24 points from 22 matches.

The match was tough and thrilling despite the waterlogged pitch following heavy rain in various regions of mainland Tanzania. 

Singida Fountain Gate FC opted to defend from the start, allowing Yanga to dominate while missing a few scoring chances in the first 40 minutes of the game.

However, Joseph Guede broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a curling shot just outside the danger zone. Yanga led 1-0 at halftime.

Singida Fountain Gate FC started the second half with a bang and managed to corner Yanga in the first 10 minutes, but their players failed to convert several clear scoring chances. 

The team‘s striker Habib Kyombo and Enock Atta were to blame after missing several scoring opportunities.

Yanga rejuvenated and took command of the game, with Stephane Aziz Ki scoring the second goal in the 65th minute with a powerful shot from about 25 metres after Clement Mzize’s pass. 

Singida Fountain Gate FC goalie Benedict Haule made efforts to save the shot but proved futile.

As Singida Fountain Gate FC maneuvering to equalize and take the lead, Guede dashed their plans by scoring the third goal two minutes later with a header following a good pass from Mzize. 

The match also saw Yanga’s first-choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made a commendable save in injury time after saving Aziz Andambwile’s shot.

Singida Fountain Gate FC coach Ngawina Ngawina admitted defeat, saying his players made mistakes that were capitalized on by Yanga players.

“When you play against a big team like Yanga, expect to be punished for your mistakes. My players lost concentration and allowed Yanga to score all three goals. We’re going back to the drawing board, and I believe we will do better in the remaining matches,” said Ngawina.

Yanga’s defender, Dickson Job, commended his fellow players for achieving their goal in the encounter. 

“Our main task is to defend the title, and the only way to do that is by registering victories,” said Job, who was the team’s captain in the encounter.