Dube, Aziz Ki, Mzize shine as Yanga humiliate Azam FC 4-1 to claim Community Shield

Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania champions Young Africans (Yanga) on August 11, 2024, won the Community Shield after humiliating Azam FC 4-1 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The triumph marks Yanga's second piece of silverware in just two months, following their inaugural Toyota Cup win in South Africa on July 28, 2024, where they dominated Kaizer Chiefs with a 4-0 victory.

The match began with Azam FC taking an early lead, much to the delight of their fans.

 In the 13th minute, Feisal Salum, commonly known as Fei Toto, found the back of the net following an excellent pass from Djibril Sillah. The early goal gave Azam FC hope and momentum, but it was short-lived.

 Yanga responded swiftly, equalizing just five minutes later through Prince Dube. The Zimbabwean forward capitalized on a well-timed pass from Mudathir Yahya, slotting the ball past Azam's goalkeeper, Mohammed Mustafa, to level the score.

Yanga's equalizer shifted the momentum of the game, and they quickly began to assert their dominance on the pitch. In the 30th minute, Yanga's relentless pressure paid off when Azam's defender, Yoro Diaby, inadvertently scored an own goal.

The mistake occurred as Diaby attempted to clear a dangerous cross from Yanga’s left-back, Shadrack Boka. The ball rebounded off Diaby and into the net, giving Yanga a 2-1 lead and further demoralizing the Azam FC defense.

Yanga's third goal came in the added time of the first half, courtesy of a powerful shot from Stephane Aziz Ki.

The Burkinabe attacking midfielder unleashed a thunderous strike from the left flank, which deflected off former Yanga defender Yannick Bangala and left Azam's goalkeeper with no chance.

As the match drew to a close, Yanga put the final nail in Azam FC's coffin with a fourth goal during added time. Clement Mzize, who had come on as a substitute, finished off a pinpoint pass from Clatous Chama to seal the 4-1 victory.

Azam FC's coach, Dabo, was left to rue his tactical decisions after the match. He admitted to making a critical error by starting with three defenders against Yanga's potent attacking line-up.

"Perhaps I made a mistake by starting with three defenders at the back," Dabo said in his post-match interview. "But we've learned from it, and we must learn. We shouldn't continue playing like this. When you have a goal lead against a team like Yanga, you need to play with more caution."

Dabo's acknowledgment of his tactical misjudgment highlights the challenges Azam FC faced against a Yanga team that is currently riding high on confidence and form.

Yanga's coach, Gamondi, on the other hand, was full of praise for his players and the club's supporters. "Yanga has players who are hungry for trophies, and we will continue like this. We are Yanga," the Argentine coach declared proudly.

Gamondi further stressed the importance of maintaining their winning momentum as the team continues to chase more silverware.

"My players are committed and know what all fans and leaders need from them. I am very happy and call on them to maintain this status," he added.