Mzize, Dube, and Aziz Ki shine as Yanga tighten league table race with rivals Simba
What you need to know:
- The result brings Yanga’s tally to 36 points from 14 matches, just one point behind their traditional rivals, Simba, who lead with 37 points from the same number of games. Dodoma Jiji FC remains in 12th place with 16 points from 15 matches
Dar es Salaam. Two goals by Clement Mzize and one each by Stephane Aziz Ki and Prince Dube helped the defending champions, Young Africans (Yanga), maintain their pursuit of the top spot in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League on December 25, 2024.
Mzize opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a header, capitalizing on a well-executed corner kick by Pacome Zouzoua during the match held at Jamhuri Stadium in the Dodoma Region.
Yanga’s second goal came in the 29th minute through a penalty by Stephane Aziz Ki after Dodoma Jiji FC goalkeeper Mohammed Hussein fouled Prince Dube. Match referee Ahmed Arajiga wasted no time in awarding the spot kick.
The Jangwani Street giants extended their lead in the 37th minute with another goal by Mzize, set up brilliantly by Mudathir Yahya. The goal followed an error by goalkeeper Hussein, whose clearance went directly to Yahya, allowing him to assist Mzize for a clinical finish.
Yanga sealed their 4-0 victory in the 62nd minute when Prince Dube connected with a precise pass from Mudathir Yahya.
The result brings Yanga’s tally to 36 points from 14 matches, just one point behind their traditional rivals, Simba, who lead with 37 points from the same number of games. Dodoma Jiji FC remains in 12th place with 16 points from 15 matches.
Azam FC holds third place with 33 points from 15 matches, followed by Singida Black Stars, also with 33 points but trailing on goal difference. Tabora United rounds out the top five with 25 points from 15 matches.
Yanga dominated the match from the start, aiming to score early and maintain control throughout.
Dodoma Jiji FC had two notable chances in the game. In the 17th minute, Daudi Milandu’s shot narrowly missed the target, while in the 74th minute, Mwana Kibuda failed to convert a promising cross from Dickson Mhilu, with Yanga’s Bakari Mwamnyeto clearing the danger effectively.
Meanwhile, Namungo FC secured a 2-1 victory over Fountain Gate FC at the Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Manyara on the same day.
The thrilling encounter saw Namungo, under coach Juma Mgunda, score their first goal in the 10th minute through Pius Buswita after a fine pass from Hassan Kibailo. Fountain Gate FC equalized through Salum Kihimbwa, assisted by Never Tigere.
Namungo FC clinched the winner in the 80th minute, courtesy of Geoffrey Luzendaze, who was set up by Najim Mussa. The win raises Namungo FC’s tally to 17 points from 16 matches.
Fountain Gate FC remains in sixth position with 20 points from 15 matches. The league action continues tomorrow, December 26, 2024, with Tanzania Prisons hosting Pamba Jiji FC at the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm, with both teams aiming for a win to improve their league standings.
