Yanga faces tricky test against Dodoma Jiji in Mainland league today

Dar es Salaam. After recording unimpressive results against Kagera Sugar three days ago, defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) today, on February 5, 2024 face the acid test against Dodoma Jiji FC in the ongoing Mainland Tanzania Premier League at the Azam Complex, starting at 7 pm.

Yanga secured a goalless draw against the struggling Kagera Sugar at the Kaitaba Stadium on February 2 this year.

This outcome hindered their ascent to the top position, as they were unable to surpass Azam FC despite amassing 31 points.

Azam FC are at the top of the league standings with 31 points accumulated from 13 matches.

Yanga closely follows in the second position, also securing 31 points but having played 12 matches, with the goal average being the differentiating factor from Azam FC.

Azam have scored more goals than Yanga, with 35 goals against Yanga's 31. The Jangwani Street giants are searching for victory to move to the top of the league standings.

Dodoma Jiji FC are placed second with 18 points from 13 matches, and a victory in today’s encounter may leapfrog them over Coastal Union into sixth place with 19 points and over Singida Fountain Gate FC into fifth place with 20 points.

Records show that Yanga and Dodoma Jiji FC have played five times since 2020, with Yanga winning all matches. In their last match played on May 13, 2023, Yanga won 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Azam Complex.

The Yanga-Dodoma Jiji match is expected to be thrilling given the level of performance shown by each team in their previous matches.

Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi said they are targeting a victory over Dodoma Jiji FC to continue recording positive results in the league.

He said that Dodoma Jiji FC are among the toughest teams in the league and that they will have to be very attentive throughout the game to secure victory.

He added that his players have trained well and their morale is high ahead of the encounter.

“We need to maintain our winning streak in our games. I have truly committed players, and I am sure they will do their best. It is not going to be an easy match, as Dodoma Jiji FC has talented players too. What happened in the last match will not happen this time,” said Gamondi.

Dodoma coach Francis Baraza said that they are expecting a tough match against Yanga, but they are prepared to fight to achieve results.

"In this game, we will be missing right-back Anderson Kimweri, who lost his father, but whenever we play against Yanga, it's never an easy game. Despite all that, we are ready for the match," said Baraza.