Dube, Mzize and Bacca on target as Yanga close in on Simba
What you need to know:
- The result moves Yanga to second place in the league standings with 33 points from 13 matches, just one point behind their traditional rivals Simba, who lead with 34 points from the same number of games
Dar es Salaam. Four goalsby Clement Mzize, Prince Dube, and two from Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad secured a convincing victory for defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) over Tanzania Prisons in the ongoing Mainland Tanzania Premier League at the KMC Complex today, December 22, 2024.
Mzize opened the scoring for Yanga in the 13th minute after a well-timed pass from Prince Dube allowed him to beat Tanzania Prisons goalkeeper Sebusebu Samson.
Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad doubled Yanga’s lead in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a rebound off the crossbar following a well-taken free kick by Stephane Aziz Ki.
Bacca also scored in the 84th minute after a corner kick from Pacome Zouzoua.
Bacca’s goal, his fourth of the season, made him the league's top-scoring defender.
In comparison, Simba’s Che Malone Fondoh and Shomari Kapombe, along with Azam FC’s Lusajo Mwaikenda, have each scored two goals.
Yanga celebrated their third goal in the 45th minute, courtesy of Prince Dube.
Dube found the back of the net after being set up by another impressive pass from Aziz Ki.
The result moves Yanga to second place in the league standings with 33 points from 13 matches, just one point behind their traditional rivals Simba, who lead with 34 points from the same number of games.
Azam FC occupies third place with 33 points from 15 matches, followed by Singida Black Stars in fourth with 30 points from 14 games.
Tabora United completes the top five with 25 points from 15 matches. Yanga dominated the match from the beginning, aiming to score early and maintain control.
Tanzania Prisons, relying on counterattacks, squandered a golden opportunity to equalize in the 29th minute.
Abdulkarim Segeja hesitated when faced with Yanga goalkeeper Aboutwalib Msheli, missing a clear chance to change the game’s momentum.
Yanga’s comprehensive victory demonstrates their intent to reclaim the top spot in the league standings as the title race heats up. With both Yanga and Simba performing at their best, the league promises an exciting finish.
