Dar es Salaam. Young Africans SC reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a commanding 4–1 victory over KMC FC on Sunday evening, a result that lifted them to 10 points after four matches and temporarily displaced Simba SC from the summit.
The match, played at the KMC Stadium, delivered a blend of intensity, tactical discipline and clinical finishing from the visitors.
Yanga went into the fixture knowing that only a win would take them above their traditional rivals, Simba, who led the standings with nine points but had played one game fewer.
The early exchanges reflected Yanga’s urgency, characterised by strong ball circulation in midfield and aggressive wing play.
Despite dominating possession in the opening half-hour, Yanga struggled to find the breakthrough as KMC stayed compact, defending in numbers while relying on counter-attacks through their pacey forwards.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute when Max Nzengeli latched onto a well-weighted pass from Pacome Zouzoua and coolly slotted home past the KMC goalkeeper.
The goal boosted the visitors’ confidence and silenced the home crowd, who had sensed an opportunity to trouble the defending champions.
However, KMC responded swiftly. In the 43rd minute, Saliboko capitalised on a lapse in Yanga’s defence, firing in to level the score at 1–1.
The equaliser injected life into the match and set the stage for a lively second half.
After the restart, both sides introduced fresh legs. KMC made double changes at the break to stabilise their midfield and increase mobility upfront, while Yanga followed with tactical substitutions aimed at regaining attacking sharpness.
The turning point came in the 73rd minute when Zouzoua, who had been instrumental throughout, restored Yanga’s lead with a clinical strike to make it 2–1.
His goal stemmed from sustained pressure, intricate build-up play and superior decision-making in the final third.
Buoyed by the lead, Yanga pressed harder.
The hosts tried to regroup, but their transitions were repeatedly broken down by Yanga’s disciplined pressing and compact midfield.
Yanga extended their advantage in the 82nd minute through substitute Boyeli, whose pace and power overwhelmed the KMC defence.
The Congolese forward went on to add another, sealing the match at 4–1. His brace off the bench underscored Yanga’s attacking depth and tactical flexibility.
With a three-goal cushion, Yanga managed the closing minutes with composure, retaining possession, slowing the tempo and neutralising KMC’s final efforts. Their game management in the dying stages was exemplary.
The final whistle confirmed a vital win for the Jangwani giants.
Beyond the three points, it was a statement of intent as they continue their push to reclaim the title.
The victory lifted Yanga to 10 points, one ahead of Simba, though their rivals have a game in hand and remain firmly in contention.
For KMC, the defeat highlighted both their potential and inconsistency.
Their first-half resilience was admirable, but they struggled to cope with Yanga’s second-half intensity.
As the race tightens at the top, Yanga’s performance at KMC Stadium reaffirmed their resilience, squad depth and ability to rise under pressure, qualities that could well define their season.
