Zouzoua shines as five-star Yanga beat Fountain Gate FC
Fountain Gate FC goalkeeper John Noble (left) attempts to save a shot from Young Africans (Yanga) attacking midfielder Pacome Zouzoua (right) during their NBC Premier League match at KMC Complex yesterday. Yanga won 5-0. PHOTO | MICHAEL MATEMANGA
What you need to know:
- Ivorian attacking midfielder Pacome Zouzoua stole the spotlight with a stunning brace, while Mudathir Yahya sealed the deal with a clinical finish.
Dar es Salaam. A dazzling display by the defending champions, Young Africans (Yanga), lit up the KMC Complex yesterday as they maintained their winning run with a 5-0 victory over Fountain Gate FC in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League.
Ivorian attacking midfielder Pacome Zouzoua stole the spotlight with a stunning brace, while Mudathir Yahya sealed the deal with a clinical finish.
Zouzoua netted his first goal in the 16th minute following a well-placed pass from Shadrack Boka, before Mudathir Yahya doubled the lead in the 40th minute, skilfully converting Clement Mzize’s assist.
As fans anticipated a 2-0 scoreline heading into the break, Zouzoua struck again in the 45th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint pass from Mzize to complete an emphatic first-half performance. Yanga celebrated the fourth goal in the 53rd minute when Jackson Shiga Katanga scored an own goal after a bouncing ball from Zouzoua’s shot hit the crossbar. The Jangwani Street giants sealed the fifth goal in the 87th minute through Clement Mzize, who chipped the ball past Fountain Gate goalkeeper John Nobo after receiving a long pass from Salum “Sure Boy” Abubakar. Fountain Gate FC failed to mount serious attacks during the encounter, leaving Yanga goalkeeper Aboutwalib Msheli with a relatively relaxed match.
The victory saw Yanga collect 39 points from 15 matches, applying pressure on league leaders Simba, who have 40 points.
In terms of league statistics, Yanga have scored the most goals in the first round, with 32, while conceding six. Simba have netted 31 and conceded five.
The standings show the two traditional rivals locked in a tight race at the top, separated by just one point and tied in goal difference, with both boasting +26.
Azam FC are third with 36 points from 16 matches, Singida Black Stars are fourth with 33 points from 16 matches, and Tabora United sit fifth with 25 points from 15 matches.
Yanga head coach Sead Ramovic praised his players for their strong performance.
“My players delivered an excellent display to secure a big-margin victory. We will continue working on shaping the team to reach top form,” said Ramovic.
Fountain Gate FC head coach Mohamed Muya admitted to their shortcomings, acknowledging that their mistakes allowed Yanga to dominate and win the match.
