Dar es Salaam. Defending Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans SC were held to a goalless draw by Azam FC in their league match on Sunday, March 15, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Yanga entered the match with one of the league’s most dangerous attacking partnerships, Prince Dube and Depu, who have combined for 12 goals this season.
However, they struggled in the final third and failed to register a single shot on target against Azam.
It was one of the rare occasions this season when Yanga’s attack lacked its usual sharpness in front of goal.
Both sides adopted a cautious approach in the first half.
They exchanged attacks but created few clear scoring chances.
Most of the build-up play came through the flanks as the teams searched for openings.
Azam, despite lacking a natural centre-forward, managed three attempts, with one on target.
Yanga had two efforts, but none tested the goalkeeper.
At the start of the second half, Azam head coach Florent Ibenge made an early tactical change in an effort to strengthen his attack.
He replaced Ashraf Kibeku with Jean Ngita.
The adjustment saw Feisal Salum, who had been operating as a shadow striker, drop deeper into midfield to play in his familiar role as an attacking midfielder in the number 10 position.
In the 60th minute, Yanga also made a substitution. Pacome Zouzoua replaced Mudathir Yahya to add creativity and pace in midfield.
However, neither side managed to find the breakthrough, and the match ended 0–0 after 90 minutes, with both teams sharing the points.
Following the result, Yanga remain top of the Mainland Premier League table with 36 points, while Azam sit second with 28.
Azam FC line-up: Aishi Manula, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Pascal Msindo, Yoro Diaby, Yeison Fuentes, James Akaminko, Zidane Sereri, Himdi Mao, Feisal Salum, Iddi Selemani and Ashraf Kibeku.
Yanga line-up: Djigui Diarra, Israel Mwenda, Mohamed Hussein, Ibrahim Abdulla, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mudathir Yahya, Maxi Nzengeli, Allan Okello, Laurindo Dilson, Prince Dube and Duke Abuya.
