Aziz Ki, Mudathir Shine as Yanga Beat Zambia’s Red Arrows

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga) came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Zambian champions Red Arrows on August 4, in a match commemorating the team's 89th anniversary.

The match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was thrilling and intense, with fans getting their money's worth. Red Arrows, champions of both Zambia and the CECAFA Kagame Cup, started the match strongly, silencing the 60,000 Yanga fans in attendance by scoring in the 6th minute through Ricky Banda.

The goal resulted from defensive errors by Yanga’s Shadrack Boka, Dickson Job, and Aziz Andambwile, allowing Banda to score with a free header past Yanga’s first-choice goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra.

That goal dampened the spirits of the Yanga fans who had packed the stadium, despite Yanga largely controlling the game. Red Arrows players frequently attacked through their wings, putting Yanga’s defense under pressure early in the match.

However, Yanga players Clement Mzize, Jean Baleke, and Duke Abuya failed to convert several chances created by Clatous Chama and Pacome Zouzoua, who played exceptionally well.

Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, made changes by substituting all players who played in the first half and bringing in new ones, altering the game’s dynamics.

Red Arrows focused more on defense in the second half, allowing Yanga to dominate, but players Prince Dube, Kennedy Musonda, and Mudathir Yahya missed several clear scoring opportunities.

Yanga equalized in the 64th minute through Mudathir Yahya with a left-leg volley just outside the penalty area.

This goal boosted Yanga’s momentum, with players like Maxi Mzengeli, Musonda, Aziz Ki, Jonas Mkude, Dennis Nkane, Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad, Bakari Mwamnyeto, and Nickson Kibabage showcasing impressive performances.

The winning goal for Yanga, which thrilled the fans, was scored by Stephane Aziz Ki from a penalty in the 90th minute after Nickson Kibabage was fouled in the penalty area.

This victory marks Yanga's third win in the festival since it began in 2019, starting with a 2-0 victory over Aigle Noir of Burundi. In that match, Yanga’s goals were scored by the then team stars, Ghanaian Michael Sarpong and Tuisila Kisinda.

Another victory for the team in Mwananchi Week was last year when they defeated South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 with the goal scored by Zambian Kennedy Musonda.

Greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan congratulated Yanga on their success and urged them to continue striving for more achievements to bring honor to the country.

"I congratulate you for the wonderful festival which I have been following on television. I also commend Simba for their event, and Yanga for this splendid festival.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is a Simba fan, the Vice President is a Yanga fan, and I will remain neutral," President Samia said in a live phone call.

Special Guest

The match’s special guest, Vice President Philip Mpango, praised the club for their success in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League and in African continental club competitions.

Mpango, a Yanga fan, expressed his happiness with the club’s achievements and his belief in their continued success in the upcoming league season.

 "Who can beat Yanga? I believe other teams will not be able to due to the best players that the leadership has recruited," said Mpango.