Dar es Salaam. Yanga SC continued their dominance in the NBC Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coastal Union at the KMC Complex here in the city on April 7, 2025.
The only goal of the match came in the 35th minute, courtesy of the electrifying Ivorian forward Pacome Zouzoua, who notched his eighth goal of the season in clinical fashion.
From the first whistle, it was evident that Yanga had a clear game plan structured, disciplined, and executed with surgical precision.
Whether in possession or without the ball, the Jangwani giants showed complete control, dictating the pace and shape of the match from start to finish.
Coach Miloud Hamdi deployed a tactical 2-3-4-1 shape during build-up phases, allowing his side to progress the ball comfortably into dangerous areas.
Centre backs Dickson Job and Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto held their positions well, while the fullbacks pushed high to form a line with anchorman Khalid Aucho, effectively bypassing Coastal’s half-hearted pressing attempts.
Coastal Union struggled to apply any meaningful pressure, giving Yanga ample time and space to orchestrate attacks.
Although several opportunities were missed, it was a sublime assist from Max Nzengeli that carved open the defense and set up Pacome’s brilliant finish.
The Ivorian forward read the space perfectly, making a sharp run and slotting home with composure after Coastal’s defense was caught napping.
Nzengeli, who bossed the midfield throughout the match, exploited gaps in Coastal’s backline with vision and pace.
Yanga maintained control in the second half with dominant ball possession.
Coastal, opting to “park the bus” and rely on rare counterattacks, failed to trouble the opposition.
Their lack of urgency and precision in the final third made it easy for Yanga to contain their efforts.
Nzengeli and Pacome remained constant threats, frequently interchanging positions and exploiting Coastal’s right defensive channel.
Their clever movements in the half-spaces created havoc, forcing Coastal into defensive disarray.
Despite Coastal’s attempt to hold shape defensively, their poor communication and slow reactions under pressure exposed their vulnerabilities.
Yanga’s players, ever-fluid and sharp, swarmed every zone of the pitch with intent and coordination.
The victory took Yanga’s tally to 64 points, firmly securing top spot in the league standings—seven points clear of traditional rivals Simba SC, having played two more matches.
Pacome now sits third in Yanga’s scoring charts with eight goals, behind Prince Dube and Clement Mzize, who both have 11.
This scoring depth highlights the exceptional form of Yanga’s attacking line this season.
While Coastal Union’s strategy focused heavily on containment, they simply couldn’t cope with Yanga’s tempo and tactical discipline.
Late in the game, Yanga expertly managed their narrow lead—slowing down the tempo, playing long balls, and forcing Coastal into desperate errors as they searched for an equalizer.
Looking ahead, Yanga will need to maintain this momentum marked by ball discipline, intelligent movement, and efficient finishing if they are to clinch the title early.
For Coastal, urgent improvements in defensive communication and reaction under pressure are needed to avoid further setbacks.
Once again, Yanga fans left the stadium beaming with pride.
Pacome’s goal wasn’t just a match-winner it was a testament to individual brilliance and collective tactical maturity.
It was another masterclass performance that reaffirms Yanga’s evolution into a modern football powerhouse.
