Dar es Salaam. Young Africans’ 91st anniversary celebrations ended on a disappointing note on Sunday, August 9, 2026 after Congolese side Les Aigles du Congo came from behind to defeat the Tanzanian champions 2-1 at Uhuru Stadium.
The defeat spoiled an otherwise vibrant Yanga Day, which attracted thousands of supporters to the stadium as the club unveiled its squad and plans for the 2026/27 season.
The match also provided the first opportunity for supporters to see some of Yanga’s new recruits in action, including Namibian international striker Peter Shalulile, whose arrival has generated considerable excitement among the club’s fans.
Yanga took the lead in the 27th minute when Shalulile converted from the penalty spot on his debut.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker was brought down inside the penalty area by the Les Aigles goalkeeper after moving into a promising position.
He made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Yanga a 1-0 advantage.
The lead, however, lasted only nine minutes.
Les Aigles drew level in the 36th minute after Yanga failed to clear danger inside their penalty area. Tonny Talasi capitalised on the defensive lapse to restore parity.
The visitors returned for the second half with greater purpose and completed the turnaround when Talasi scored again to put Les Aigles 2-1 ahead.
Yanga coach Manqoba Mngqithi responded by making several changes as he sought to assess different combinations and give more players an opportunity ahead of the new campaign.
The changes, however, did not produce the desired response as Yanga struggled to break down a well-organised Congolese defence.
Les Aigles held on to secure a notable victory and became only the third team to beat Yanga during the club’s annual Yanga Day celebrations, after Zambia’s Zanaco and Uganda’s Vipers.
For Mngqithi, the result provides an early indication of areas that require attention before the competitive season begins, particularly defensive organisation and the team’s ability to respond after conceding.
Yanga entered the celebrations with renewed expectations following an active transfer window and the appointment of Mngqithi as head coach.
The club has adopted “Mwakani Tena” as its theme for the new season as it seeks to maintain its dominance in domestic football while making a stronger challenge in continental competitions.
The arrival of Shalulile has further raised expectations.
The Namibia international joined Yanga after a six-year spell at South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, where he established himself as one of the continent’s prolific forwards.
Despite the setback, Yanga will have little time to dwell on the defeat.
Their next major test comes on Wednesday when they face arch-rivals Simba in the Community Shield at Amani Stadium in Zanzibar.
The match will offer Mngqithi an immediate opportunity to assess his side’s response to the Yanga Day defeat, while also providing an early competitive test of Yanga’s preparations for the 2026/27 season.
