The match has scheduled to kick off at 12:30pm, with the Jangwani Street side entering the match under pressure to avoid dropping points
Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Yanga will look to widen their lead in the Mainland Premier League title race when they host struggling Namungo today at KMC Complex, while Azam FC face relegation-threatened KMC in another league fixture later in the day.
The match has scheduled to kick off at 12:30pm, with the Jangwani Street side entering the match under pressure to avoid dropping points at a critical stage of the season.
The league leaders bounced back strongly in their previous outing, defeating Singida Black Stars 3-0 to return to winning ways after suffering a shock defeat to Dodoma Jiji earlier this month.
With rivals Simba continuing to keep pace in the title race, Yanga know another slip-up could reopen the championship battle heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
The only concern for Yanga ahead of the encounter is the condition of Ivorian midfielder Pacome Zouzoua, who sustained an injury during the win over Singida Black Stars.
Initial reports, however, indicate that the injury may not be serious.Ugandan playmaker Allan Okello is expected to once again lead Yanga’s attacking efforts following another impressive season in the top flight.
The midfielder has scored nine goals and registered seven assists, making him one of the club’s most influential players this campaign. Yanga also carry a superior record into the fixture.
The two teams have met 12 times in league competition, with Yanga winning seven matches and the remaining five ending in draws.
Namungo are yet to defeat the defending champions.
In those meetings, Yanga have scored 20 goals compared to Namungo’s seven.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Yanga acting head coach Abdihamid Moalin said the team had learned important lessons from recent setbacks and remained fully focused on maintaining consistency in the title race.
“Football is unpredictable and we saw that in our match against Dodoma Jiji.
We have learned from that experience and now our focus is on continuing to win matches,” said Moalin.
“ Namungo head into the fixture desperate for points as they continue to battle against relegation.
The Lindi-based side sit 12th on the table with 25 points and have failed to win any of their last 13 matches.
Namungo coach Juma Mgunda admitted the match would be difficult, but insisted his players were ready for the challenge.
“This is an important match for both teams because each side is fighting for something.
We expect a tough and competitive game, but our preparations have gone well,” said Mgunda.
Meanwhile, Azam FC will host bottom-placed KMC from 3pm looking to extend their impressive run of form.
Azam also enjoy a dominant record against KMC, having won nine of their 13 league meetings.
