MWANZA: YOUNG Africans maintained their chase of the season’s Mainland Premier League title after outclassing Singida Fountain Gate 3-0 at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza yesterday.
Joseph Guede (pictured) sealed a brace plus one contribution by Stephanie Aziz Ki that enabled the defending champions to enjoy the sweet away victory.
With the triumph, Yanga have now collected 55 points from 21 matches to maintain first spot of the 16-team table as the eventful season slowly reaches to its climax.
Up next, Miguel Gamondi’s men host Simba in a hot Dar es Salaam Derby match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the city on Saturday.
However, despite the thrilling game unfolding at a waterlogged venue, it kicked off with intensity as each side was eager to get an early opener.
Both teams relied on long balls to avoid the slippery pitch which affected easy flow of the ball making aerial combats imminent.
In the 10th minute, Maxi Nzengeli had his powerful shot well saved by Singida FG goalie Benedict Haule, the first shot on target of the encounter.
For the hosts, they always looked lethal in transition when marching forward towards Yanga territory with Habibu Kyombo and Dickson Ambundo keeping busy Yanga defenders.
After several hits and misses, the best moment came in the 42nd minute when Guede found a bit space inside the box and his curved shot took a deflection before landing into the back of Singida’s net.
Idd Habibu wanted to clear the ball with his head but he ended up directing it into his own net exposing his goalie Haule in the process.
Here, the venue erupted into cheers as Yanga fans who came in numbers made their presence felt, celebrating for the slender lead.
In the second half, the intensity of the game doubled as Singida wanted to balance the equation while the visitors were looking sharp to increase the tally.
In the 65th minute, Aziz Ki did what he normally does as he stretched the lead with a spectacular long range volley to make it 2-0 in favour of the visitors.
It was his 14th goal of the season as he keeps chasing for an opportunity to claim the golden boot award at the end of the campaign.
Just as people were still in joyous mood, Guede headed in a third goal two minutes later after being set up by Clement Mzize whose work-rate during the game was adorable.
With three goals down, the hosts pressed hard for a consolation goal but their efforts ended in vain until the final whistle sounded to end the duel.
