Nzengeli, Mzize star as Yanga outshine Kagera Sugar

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) kicked off their campaign to defend the Mainland Premier League title with a strong start on August 29, 2024, securing a 2-0 victory against Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium.

Yanga’s goals were scored by Maxi Nzengeli and Clement Mzize, helping the team secure three points and move to fourth place in the league standings.

Nzengeli scored in the 26th minute with a long-range strike, while Mzize added the second goal in the 88th minute following a well-placed pass from Stephane Aziz Ki.

Yanga could have scored more than four goals in the match, but several clear scoring opportunities were wasted.

The player most at fault was Yanga’s new striker, Prince Dube, who missed three chances, while Pacome Zouzoua missed two.

The league standings show that Simba are at the top with six points from two matches, followed by Singida Big Stars in second place with six points from two matches, and Mashujaa FC in third place with four points from two matches.

Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, commended his players for the win despite the missed opportunities.

 "What’s important to me is winning and collecting all three points; other matters will be rectified as the league goes on," said the Argentinian tactician.

Kagera Sugar's head coach, Paul Nkata, admitted to the defeat, acknowledging that his team made mistakes.

 "We allowed them to score after making mistakes. We will rectify these errors in the coming matches," said Nkata, who hails from Uganda.

KMC, Coastal draw

In another match, Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) failed to capitalize on their home advantage, recording a 1-1 draw against Coastal Union of Tanga.

The thrilling match was held at the KMC Complex, with both teams attacking each other from the start.

KMC started the game with a bang and created several scoring chances, but their strikers failed to capitalize on them.

The Kinondoni-based team took the lead in the 32nd minute through Ibrahim Ahmed with a long-range shot.

As KMC believed they had secured the win, Coastal Union equalized in the 86th minute through Maabad Maulid Maabad.

The league has paused to allow players to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for their respective countries. According to the schedule, the league will resume on September 11, with Tabora United hosting Kagera Sugar at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium at 2pm.

 Later, at 4:15pm, Fountain Gate FC will face KenGold at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza Region. On September 12, Singida Black Stars will play against KMC at the Liti Stadium in Singida, followed by Dodoma Jiji FC hosting Namungo FC later in the evening at 7 pm at a venue to be announced.

The break aims to accommodate national commitments and ensure that the league's top players are available to represent their countries in the AFCON qualifiers.

The resumption of matches will see clubs striving to improve their standings in the league table.