Dar es Salaam. As the 2024/25 Mainland Premier League charges toward its climactic finish, the landscape has shifted dramatically thanks to Young Africans SC’s stunning 2-1 comeback win over Azam FC last week.
That victory, more than just vengeance for a first-round defeat, has reshuffled the entire picture of the league, dividing the competition into three heated zones, the title race, the battle for top-four continental spots, and the fight to avoid relegation.
With just a few rounds left, every game now carries massive implications.
Coaches, players, and fans are all feeling the pressure as each result has the power to shift fortunes dramatically.
The title race
Yanga leads the table with 67 points after 25 matches boasting 22 wins, one draw, and just two defeats (both suffered in the first round against Azam and Tabora United).
Under Coach Miloud Hamdi, the reigning champions have showcased dominance with attacking flair, tactical discipline, and contributions from star players like Stephane Aziz Ki, Pacome Zouzoua, Prince Dube, and Clement Mzize.
Simba SC, Yanga’s archrivals, sit second with 57 points from 22 matches.
With three games in hand against Mashujaa, JKT Tanzania, and Pamba Jiji the Lions have the chance to close the gap.
If they win all three, they’ll trail Yanga by just a single point (66 vs 67).
Both clubs will then face five remaining fixtures.
For Simba: KMC, Singida BS, Kengold, Kagera Sugar, and Yanga.
For Yanga: Fountain Gate, Namungo, Tanzania Prisons, Dodoma Jiji, and Simba.
This means the second-round Kariakoo Derby whose rescheduled date remains pending could ultimately decide the title.
If the two teams win all other games, that match would effectively be a final.
A win for Simba would crown them champions, while a draw would hand the title to Yanga.
Continental spots up for grabs
While Yanga and Simba fight for the title, the race for CAF competition slots rages behind them.
Azam FC (51 points from 26 matches) and Singida Black Stars (50 points) are both pushing for second place should Simba slip.
If Simba loses points in just two of their remaining games, either Azam or Singida could sneak into second place, assuming they win all their remaining matches.
However, if Simba secures their pending fixtures, Azam and Singida will likely be left battling for third.
With just one point separating them, every match for Azam and Singida now feels like a final.
Kengold in deep trouble
At the opposite end of the table, the battle for survival has turned into a pressure-cooker scenario.
From 9th to 16th place, no team is truly safe.
Teams like Fountain Gate (29 pts), Coastal Union (28), Namungo (28), Pamba (27), KMC (27), Tanzania Prisons (24), and Kagera Sugar (22) are all in serious danger.
Newcomers Kengold FC appear almost certain to go down.
With only 16 points from 26 games, they have four matches left—against Coastal Union, Pamba, Simba, and Namungo.
Losing two of these would mathematically confirm their relegation to the Championship.
Meanwhile, teams like Kagera Sugar, Prisons, and KMC must fight for their lives in their final fixtures.
The narrow point margins between survival and relegation mean late-season drama is almost guaranteed—with surprise results likely as pressure mounts.
Expert opinions
Former Mtibwa Sugar and Gwambina coach, Mohamed Badru, reflected on the season: “This has been the most competitive league campaign in years. From top to bottom, teams are fighting hard, and the intensity is good for our football development. Yanga and Simba’s dominance is being challenged, which keeps everyone on their toes.”
Former Yanga star Credo Mwaipopo added: “This is a high-quality league. If the League Board improves scheduling and stadium infrastructure, we can match North African leagues in the near future.”
