Dar es Salaam. Prince Dube’s outstanding hat-trick led Yanga to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mashujaa in the Tanzanian Premier League at KMC Complex in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, on Thursday.
The Zimbabwean striker, who had previously been goal-shy in the league, found his form and single-handedly secured the points for his side, marking a memorable performance.
Dube’s impressive display came just days after playing a key role in Yanga’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League, giving him the perfect confidence boost going into the league encounter.
Signed from Azam this season, Dube had been eager for a breakthrough, and he delivered in spectacular fashion.
Dube’s hat-trick was a perfect mix of aerial ability and clinical finishing.
He opened the scoring in the 8th minute, finishing off a smart pass from Pacome Zouzoua.
Just 14 minutes later, Dube doubled his tally in the 22nd minute, rising above the Mashujaa defense to head home a cross from Mzize.
His third goal, which completed his hat-trick, came in the 60th minute, another header this time from a superb cross by Kibwana Shomari.
Dube’s hat-trick was a testament to his growing confidence and form, and it will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster for the team moving forward.
While Dube was clinical in front of goal, it was a difficult day for Yanga’s goalkeeper, Abubakar Khomeiny.
Filling in for the injured Diarra Djigui, Khomeiny made crucial errors that allowed Mashujaa to get back into the game.
Just before halftime, David Ulomi fired a long-range shot past Khomeiny to pull Mashujaa to within a goal at 2-1.
In the second half, Khomeiny’s struggles continued.
Just 10 minutes after Dube’s third goal, substitute Idriss Stambuli fired a powerful shot from distance, which Khomeiny failed to save, allowing the ball to squirm past him and make it 3-2.
Despite the setback, Mashujaa showed resilience and continued to press in the second half.
Players like Ulomi, Mapinduzi Balama, and Shaaban Mgandila worked hard to create chances, but their finishing was not clinical enough to break down Yanga’s defense.
Despite Khomeiny’s errors, Yanga’s backline held firm and managed to secure the victory.
Yanga’s overall performance, particularly in attack, was much improved compared to previous matches under coach Sead Ramovic, where they had often looked disjointed.
The midfield trio of Pacome, Dube, and Abuya controlled possession, while full-backs Yao Kouassi and Kibwana Shomari contributed both defensively and offensively.
Although Mashujaa lost, they showed discipline and determination, especially in the second half, when they made Yanga’s defense work hard.
However, their inability to convert chances and Khomeiny’s mistakes ultimately cost them.
Mashujaa remain in 7th place with 19 points from 15 matches, showing that they have the potential to compete but need to improve their finishing.
For Yanga, this victory marked their 10th win in 12 matches, strengthening their position as serious contenders for the Tanzanian Premier League title.
The win also extended their winning run to two consecutive league victories under Sead Ramovic, after their 2-0 triumph against Namungo three weeks ago.
With Dube in excellent form, Yanga will be hoping to build on this momentum as they continue their push for the title.
