Zanzibar. Young Africans (Yanga) delivered a statement performance on Wednesday, dismantling Azam FC 3-0 at the New Amaan Complex to take a giant step toward retaining their Mainland Premier League crown.
The victory, which moves Yanga to 69 points from 28 matches, served as sweet revenge for the champions, who were eliminated by Azam at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza just three days earlier in a dramatic CRDB Federation Cup semi-final.
The Mwanza results had temporarily halted the champions’ quest for a domestic double.
Dominant display settles title-race showdown
Determined to respond emphatically, Yanga delivered one of their most convincing performances of the season, controlling the match from the outset and demonstrating why they remain favourites to lift the league trophy once again.
The champions entered the encounter at the top of the standings with 66 points from 27 matches, while Azam sat third with 58 points.
The match was widely regarded as a crucial fixture in the title race, particularly following the events of the Federation Cup semi-final.
From the opening whistle, Yanga dictated the tempo and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.
Their attacking intent consistently troubled the Azam defence, forcing the Ice Cream Makers onto the back foot for long periods of the first half.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 41st minute when defender Ibrahim Hamad ‘Bacca’ rose above the Azam defence to head home the opening goal and give Yanga a deserved lead heading into the interval.
Azam attempted to mount a response after the restart, but Yanga remained organised and disciplined in defence while continuing to threaten on the counterattack.
Depu factor
The introduction of striker Depu added fresh energy to the attack and proved decisive.
The forward doubled Yanga’s advantage in the 73rd minute, finishing clinically to leave Azam with a mountain to climb.
Pacôme Zouzoua completed the rout in the 81st minute, calmly finishing a well-worked move to secure a comprehensive 3-0 victory and spark celebrations among Yanga supporters.
Title race implications
The result moved Yanga to 69 points from 28 matches, maintaining their position at the summit of the Mainland Premier League standings and reinforcing their status as frontrunners in the championship race.
Ahead of the match, Yanga acting head coach Abdihamid Moallin had expressed confidence in his team’s readiness despite the disappointment of the cup defeat.
“We knew what needed to be done. The preparations were good, and the players were in a good place mentally and physically,” Moallin said before the encounter.
His players responded impressively, producing a performance characterised by determination, composure and attacking efficiency.
Azam’s slim hopes for title ends
The defeat effectively ended Azam’s already slim hopes of challenging for the league title, leaving them eight points behind the leaders with only a handful of matches remaining.
However, the club remains well placed to secure third position and a continental competition berth.
Simba’s title dreams remain alive
Meanwhile, the championship race remains far from over after Simba SC also secured an important victory on Wednesday.
The Msimbazi giants defeated Mtibwa Sugar 3-0 through goals from Rushine De Reuck, Seleman Mwalimu and Anicet Oura, moving to 67 points from 28 matches and remaining just two points behind Yanga.
With only two rounds of fixtures remaining, the battle between Tanzania’s traditional football powerhouses appears destined to go down to the wire.
Yanga will conclude their campaign with matches against TRA United and JKT Tanzania, knowing that victories in both fixtures would guarantee them another league crown regardless of Simba’s results.
Simba, on the other hand, must overcome Singida Black Stars and KMC while hoping their arch-rivals drop valuable points.
The emphatic win at the New Amaan Complex not only avenged Yanga’s painful Federation Cup elimination but also reaffirmed their credentials as the dominant force in Tanzanian football.
As the season enters its decisive stage, the race for the Mainland Premier League title promises a thrilling finish, with Yanga holding a narrow but crucial advantage over their closest challengers.
