Yanga target victory over KMC to retake league lead
What you need to know:
- A victory for Yanga would propel them to the top of the standings, overtaking Simba SC, who currently lead with 47 points
Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) face another tough challenge today as they take on KMC in the ongoing Tanzania Mainland Premier League.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm, with both teams aiming for victory to improve their positions in the league standings.
Yanga, currently in second place with 46 points from 18 matches, will overtake Simba at the top if they secure a win. Simba have collected 47 points from 18 matches so far.
KMC, on the other hand, are placed seventh with 22 points from 18 matches.
A victory today would propel them to sixth place, currently occupied by Coastal Union of Tanga, who also have 22 points but from 18 matches.
Records show that Yanga won 1-0 in the first-round encounter. Last season, the Jangwani Street giants dominated KMC, winning both matches with a combined score of 8-0—securing a 5-0 victory in the first leg and a 3-0 win in the second.
However, Yanga, who dropped two points in a goalless draw against JKT Tanzania in their previous match, will need to step up their game against KMC, who are coming off a 2-0 victory over Singida Black Stars at the same venue.
This match will also be another test for Yanga’s newly appointed head coach, Miloud Hamdi, who faced his first test against JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the match, Hamdi expressed confidence in his squad, stating that they have prepared well and are focused on securing the best possible result.
"The players are in high spirits and ready to deliver a strong performance. We need to play cautiously, as we are facing a tough opponent," he said.
KMC head coach Kally Ongalla acknowledged the challenge posed by Yanga but remained optimistic about his team’s chances.
"We have prepared to face Yanga, and we know we are up against a strong team. We need to play with determination and resilience," said Ongalla.
Meanwhile, three other league matches are also scheduled for today.
Tabora United will host KenGold at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium, Kagera Sugar will face Fountain Gate at Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera from 7 p.m., and Tanzania Prisons will take on Namungo FC at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.
