Pacome, Dube fire Yanga past Azam to seal CAF Champions League spot
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With the result, Yanga have now collected 67 points from 25 matches, strengthening their grip at the top of the league standings and edging closer to securing their spot in next season’s CAF Champions League
Dar es Salaam. Goals from Pacome Zouzoua and Prince Dube on April 10, 2025, helped defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) secure a 2-1 victory over Azam FC in a Mainland Tanzania Premier League encounter at Azam Complex. The win widened Yanga’s points gap over their fierce rivals Simba SC.
Pacome opened the scoring in the 11th minute after capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Prince Dube, who had earlier received a precise long ball from Clatous Chama. The goal marked Pacome's 10th of the season, further underlining his attacking prowess.
Yanga doubled their lead in the 34th minute, this time through Prince Dube, who converted a clever pass from Mudathir Yahya. Dube's goal also brought his season tally to 10, placing him level with Simba’s Jean Ahoua in the race for the Golden Boot award.
Azam FC managed to pull one back late in the game through Lusajo Mwaikenda, who found the back of the net in the 81st minute.
However, it wasn’t enough to stop Yanga from claiming all three points. With the result, Yanga have now collected 67 points from 25 matches, strengthening their grip at the top of the league standings and edging closer to securing their spot in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Only Simba remain mathematically capable of challenging them for the title, provided Yanga drop points in their remaining five matches, one of which was controversially postponed following Simba's refusal to play, a decision that involved both the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).
Simba, who sit second on the table, have accumulated 57 points from 22 matches and trail Yanga by 10 points. With eight matches remaining, Simba still have a chance to close the gap if they can maintain consistency and Yanga falter.
Azam FC currently hold third place with 51 points from 26 matches. The maximum points they can reach if they win their remaining four fixtures is 63. However, their position is under serious threat from fourth-placed Singida Black Stars, who have 50 points from 26 matches.
If Singida win all their remaining games, they could finish the season with 62 points—potentially leapfrogging Azam FC.
Given the current standings, the top four teams—Yanga, Simba, Azam FC, and Singida Black Stars—are virtually assured of finishing in the top four positions, but only Yanga and Simba remain in contention for the league title.
Azam FC's recent defeat has made their fight to retain third place more difficult. Their remaining fixtures against Kagera Sugar (away), Dodoma Jiji (home), Tabora United (home), and Fountain Gate (away) will be crucial.
On the other hand, Singida Black Stars are set to face Tabora United (home), Simba (away), Dodoma Jiji (away), and Tanzania Prisons (home), giving them a fair chance to surpass Azam if they manage favorable results. The race for continental competition spots remains tight—and for Azam FC, the pressure is on.
