Pacome’s strike lifts Yanga past Coastal Union to extend Premier League lead
What you need to know:
- Pacome found the back of the net in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered cross from Congolese winger Maxi Nzengeli
Dar es Salaam. Ivorian attacking midfielder Pacome Zouzoua struck the decisive goal to hand Young Africans (Yanga) a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coastal Union in a Mainland Premier League clash held yesterday, April 7, 2025 at the KMC Complex.
Pacome found the back of the net in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered cross from Congolese winger Maxi Nzengeli. The goal not only sealed Yanga’s win but also marked Pacome’s eighth of the season as he continues to shine in the league.
The victory saw Yanga climb to 64 points at the top of the standings, extending their lead to seven points over arch-rivals Simba SC, who sit second with 57 points.
Azam FC trail in third place with 51 points from 25 matches. Notably, Yanga have played 24 matches, two more than Simba, who are currently engaged in CAF Confederation Cup duties.
Yanga, the reigning champions, dominated proceedings from the onset but were left to rue a series of missed opportunities, particularly in the first half.
The likes of Pacome, Nzengeli, Kenyan midfielder Duke Abuya, and Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube all squandered clear-cut chances that could have put the game to bed early.
Despite making several tactical changes in the second half, Yanga were unable to add to their lead as Coastal Union's defense, marshaled by Lameck Lawi, remained resolute. The Tanga-based side also mounted several attacking efforts of their own in the second half, but they fell short in breaking through Yanga’s solid backline.
Speaking after the match, Yanga head coach Miloud Hamdi praised his team for securing the three points but admitted that work still needs to be done in sharpening the team's finishing in front of goal.
"I’m happy with the win, but we must improve our conversion rate. We are creating chances, but we have to be more clinical," said Hamdi.
On the other side, Coastal Union’s assistant coach Joseph Lazaro lauded his players for their spirited performance despite the defeat.
"We minimized our mistakes and gave Yanga a tough match. Unfortunately, they scored from one of the few opportunities they had. I’m proud of the way my players performed," said Lazaro.
With this result, Yanga remain firmly in control of the title race as the league enters its final stretch.
