How ten-man Yanga defied Geita Gold pressure

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans Head Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has hailed his side’s winning mentality after they held on for a 1-0 victory over Geita Gold despite playing the entire second half with 10 men at KMC Complex Stadium, with Geita Gold Head Coach Zubeir Katwila admitting his side failed to make most of their chances.

The two managers spoke in the post-match interview after a tightly contested encounter in which Yanga secured maximum points despite the numerical disadvantage, while Geita Gold were left to rue missed opportunities.

Katwila said the defeat was disappointing, although Geita Gold gained renewed energy and confidence after Yanga took advantage of a set-piece opportunity to score.

“We fought, we tried, but we couldn’t score,” Katwila said. The former Ihefu and Mtibwa Sugar coach said his players battled hard to find an equaliser but were unable to convert opportunities they created.

He added that the technical bench would assess the performance before developing strategies for their next league assignment.

At the opposite end, Manqoba said the match provided his players with valuable experience, particularly after Aziz was sent off in the first half.

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“It was a tough match. The red card that we got in the first half, I don’t think Aziz deserved the red card,” Manqoba said.

The South African tactician, however, said the team had to accept the referee’s decision and concentrate on protecting their lead.

He praised his players for maintaining discipline and fighting spirit after being reduced to 10 men, saying the experience demonstrated the mentality required to compete for major honours.

“I must say, I am very happy we got this experience. I told the players at half-time. I must appreciate that we have got championship mentality,” he said.

He said winning a match while playing a man short for an entire half was never easy, but expressed pride in the way his players fought until the final whistle.

The coach was also pleased with the return of striker Clement Mzize, describing him as one of his best forwards.

“Fo the return of Clement Mzize, I was so excited and I believe this boy is one of my best strikers. The three chances Mzize created could have been goals, I am very happy with his effort and intensity,” the coach said.

He added that Mzize’s energy and ability to create chances would provide another attacking option as Yanga continue the campaign.