Dar es Salaam. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, four of Tanzania’s top football clubs, who had recently represented the country in CAF competitions, made a triumphant return to the Tanzania Mainland Premier League after concluding their respective continental campaigns at the group stage.
These clubs include Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga) and Simba Sports Club, who competed in the CAF Champions League, alongside Azam Football Club and Singida Black Stars Football Club, who were involved in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Having exited at the group stage, these footballing powerhouses are now fully focused on domestic competition, aiming to consolidate their positions and demonstrate their dominance within the league, while catching up on matches they had missed due to their continental engagements.
Positive returns
The return of these teams has been marked by positive results, as all four secured away wins that have significantly improved their standing in the league table.
Yanga narrowly defeated Namungo 1-0, taking their tally to 25 points and moving up from third to second place.
The victory demonstrates their determination to reclaim the summit of the league at the earliest opportunity.
Simba also impressed with a 2-0 win over Tanzania Prisons, climbing from seventh to fourth with 22 points, signalling a strong resurgence in their campaign.
Singida Black Stars celebrated a 3-1 win against Mtibwa Sugar, rising from 13th to 10th in the league with 15 points, signalling a much-needed improvement.
Azam likewise continued their strong form, defeating KMC 2-0 to reach 19 points and move from ninth to eighth place.
Set-pieces prove decisive
A striking feature of these victories was the impact of set-pieces, with many goals originating from penalties, free-kicks, and corners.
For Yanga, the only goal came from a penalty in the 26th minute, expertly converted by Laurindo Aurelio ‘Depu’.
The striker, signed during the mid-season transfer window, now boasts four goals in three league matches, alongside two assists, highlighting his immediate influence on the team.
Simba’s two goals were both the result of set-piece situations.
Seleman Mwalimu headed in a goal from a free-kick delivered by Inno Loemba, followed by Rushine De Reuck’s penalty conversion, ensuring a comfortable 2-0 victory.
For Azam, Iddi Seleman ‘Nado’ was the standout performer, scoring both goals from set-pieces – the first a direct free-kick and the second from a cleverly executed short corner orchestrated by Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’.
Singida Black Stars also benefited from set-pieces, with Horso Malanga and Kennedy Juma both scoring headed goals from well-rehearsed corners, demonstrating effective tactical preparation by the coaching staff.
Yanga and Azam remain undefeated
Of the 16 teams participating in the league this season, only Yanga and Azam remain unbeaten, continuing to assert their dominance.
Yanga have played nine matches, winning eight and drawing one.
They have scored the most goals in the league, 22 in total, while conceding just two.
Azam, meanwhile, have played nine matches, winning five and drawing four, scoring 13 goals and conceding only two, demonstrating both offensive efficiency and defensive solidity.
Standout performers
Several players shone during the matches, each receiving the Player of the Match award for their contributions.
Horso Malanga (Singida), Iddi Seleman ‘Nado’ (Azam), Maxi Nzengeli (Yanga) and Rushine De Reuck (Simba) all had pivotal roles in securing their teams’ victories.
Malanga, Nado, and De Reuck scored crucial goals, while Maxi Nzengeli played a key role in earning the penalty that Depu converted to give Yanga their winning goal.
Looking ahead
The league schedule continues with excitement.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Yanga will host JKT Tanzania at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam at 10:00pm.
This match is crucial for Yanga as a victory could see them reclaim the top spot in the league, while JKT Tanzania will fight to maintain their position, currently three points behind Yanga with 28 points.
Also on February 26, Simba will play against Dodoma Jiji at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma at 1:00pm, before travelling to Unguja for the highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby against Yanga at the New Amaan Complex on March 1, 2026.
The same day Azam will host Mtibwa Sugar at the Azam Complex at 3:00 pm, while Singida Black Stars will face Namungo in Ruangwa, Lindi, at Majaliwa Stadium at 1:00 pm on Thursday.
The return of these continental competitors has intensified the league, raising the stakes and competitiveness.
The race for the Tanzanian Premier League title has entered an exhilarating phase, with every match now carrying significant weight as teams aim for domestic glory.
