Yanga tighten grip at top

SINGIDA: YOUNG Africans extended their lead at the summit of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League with a clinical 3-0 victory over Singida Black Stars at a buzzing Airtel Stadium.

The reigning champions moved four points clear of their closest rivals, JKT Tanzania, delivering a commanding performance that serves as a major statement of intent in their quest to retain the domestic crown.

The visitors controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, with Max Nzengeli a constant thorn in the hosts’ side. After a cagey opening quarter where Joseph Guede went close, Yanga’s persistent pressure finally paid in the 38th minute.

Nzengeli turned provider, threading a sublime ‘V-pass’ into the path of the onrushing Prince Dube, who clinically steered the ball into the far post to silence the home crowd.

Yanga’s dominance was rewarded again just before the interval. In the 44th minute, Mudathir Yahya found Dube in the 18-yard box, only for the striker to be hauled down by Morris Chukwu.

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The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Allan Okello stepped up to take the responsibility, beating goalkeeper Metacha Mnata with a precise penalty to double the advantage heading into the break.

Singida emerged for the second half with more urgency, attempting to open up the play, but Yanga’s defensive discipline remained resolute. Any hopes of a home comeback were extinguished in the 56th minute.

Dube, central to every attacking move, unleashed a fierce strike from the edge of the box that Mnata could only parry into the danger zone.

Mudathir Yahya reacted quickest to the rebound, tapping home from close range to make it 3-0. Despite the heavy deficit, Singida pushed for a consolation.

Offen Chikola’s 67th-minute header forced a sharp save from Djigui Diarra, and Ibrahim Imoro’s late freekick required another alert intervention from the Yanga shot-stopper.

The victory takes Yanga to 32 points from 12 matches, boasting a formidable record of 10 wins.

While JKT Tanzania remain in pursuit, Yanga’s ruthlessness in front of goal suggests the title remains theirs to lose. For Singida, a sobering afternoon left them ninth in the standings.