Dar es Salaam. Yanga SC shows no signs of slowing down in their title charge after thrashing Namungo FC 3-0 in their today Premier League encounter.
The dominant performance, played in their 27th match of the season, marked their 24th victory, pushing their tally to 73 points and solidifying their spot at the top of the table.
The opening 23 minutes were anything but easy for Yanga, as Namungo started strongly, defending in numbers and disrupting their hosts’ attacking rhythm.
It appeared that the visitors might be able to hold their ground for longer but Yanga had other ideas.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. Midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki opened the scoring with a powerful shot after a well-calculated short corner routine with Maxi Nzengeli.
The two executed the set piece with precision, outwitting the Namungo defense before Aziz Ki struck home a superb goal.
It was Aziz Ki’s 9th goal of the season continuing his fine form after being crowned both the top scorer and the best player in the league last season. For Nzengeli, it was his 9th assist, showcasing his creative influence on the flank.
Just four minutes later, Yanga doubled their lead. Striker Prince Dube added his name to the scoresheet in the 31st minute with a quick turn and a soft left-footed finish that caught Namungo goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana off guard.
The goal came from a pinpoint assist by right-back Kibwana Shomari his second of the campaign.
The goal brought Dube level with teammate Clement Mzize, both now on 13 goals this season, as they continue to chase Simba’s Jean Charles Ahoua in the Golden Boot race. By halftime, Yanga was comfortably leading 2-0.
Nzengeli, who had earlier assisted, returned to finish off the job. The winger scored Yanga’s third goal with a left-footed strike in the second half, converting a low cross from substitute right-back Israel Mwenda, who had replaced Kibwana at the break.
Every goal scored by Yanga was met with thunderous chants from their supporters: “Hatuchezi!” (“We’re not playing!”). The chant was a pointed reference to their continued protest over the postponed second-round match against arch-rivals Simba SC.
Despite the heavy loss, Namungo’s goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana deserves praise.
The Burundian shot-stopper made several crucial saves throughout the match and prevented the scoreline from turning into a complete rout.
While Yanga’s goals stole the spotlight, Kenyan midfielder Duke Abuya was a standout performer in the middle of the park for Namungo.
His tireless work rate, interceptions, and ball distribution were vital in stifling Yanga’s midfield dominance, especially in the early stages.
The result spells deeper trouble for Namungo, who now find themselves slipping dangerously closer to the relegation zone.
If their form doesn’t improve, the team could soon be battling for survival in the playoffs.
