Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga SC) ushered in a new era under Portuguese tactician Pedro Gonsalves with a confident 2-0 victory over Mtibwa Sugar at the KMC Complex in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam.
The win marks a smooth start for Gonsalves, who succeeded Roman Folz after Yanga’s 3-0 triumph over Pamba FC and a goalless draw with Mbeya City earlier this month.
Yanga maintained their recent dominance over Mtibwa, having beaten them 4-1 and 3-1 in their two encounters last season.
Tshabalala Breaks the Deadlock
In the 39th minute, Yanga left-back Mohamed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’ broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike from outside the box.
Mtibwa goalkeeper Constantine Malimi appeared to have saved the ball, but it slipped from his grasp and rolled into the net sparking wild celebrations from the Yanga faithful.
The goal lifted Yanga’s confidence, with players attempting several long-range efforts as they pushed for a second before the break.
Despite Yanga’s attacking pressure, Mtibwa’s defensive shape held firm, frustrating the hosts in midfield battles. By half-time, Yanga had registered 13 shots, including eight on target, while Mtibwa managed four attempts, three of which tested goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
Ecua Seals the Win
Yanga’s second goal came in the 83rd minute through substitute Ecua, who had replaced Edmund John.
The move was the culmination of intense pressure inside Mtibwa’s penalty area, with Yanga camping in the box for nearly three minutes before finding the breakthrough.
Fans Rally behind Dube
Yanga supporters passionately rallied behind striker Prince Dube, particularly in the early stages of the first half.
Each time he touched the ball near Mtibwa’s box, chants of his name echoed through the stands a show of support after his missed opportunities in the CAF Champions League tie against Silver Strikers, despite Yanga’s 2-0 win.
Starting Line-ups
Yanga SC: Djigui Diarra, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mohamed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’, Maxi Nzengeli, Duke Abuya, Edmund John, Mohamed Doumbia, Prince Dube, Offen Chikola, Israel Mwenda.
Mtibwa Sugar: Constantine Malimi, Erick Kyaruzi, Omar Selemani, Ibrahim Imoro, Kassim Msafiri, Twalibu Muhenga, Omary Marungu, Abdul Hilary, Datius Peter, Nassor Kiziwa.
