Hamdi applauds Yanga’s grit

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans SC Head Coach Miloud Hamdi  heaped praise on his players for their resilience, discipline and tactical execution following a commanding 3-0 victory over Namungo FC in a high-stakes Premier League encounter at the KMC Complex on Tuesday.

The win further cements Yanga’s ambitions for the 2024/25 title, lifting them to 73 points and maintaining their position at the summit of the league table.

Their archrivals and closest contenders , Simba SC, remain hot on their heels with 69 points but have played one game less.

Azam FC, meanwhile, continue to hold the third spot with 57 points, despite a dominant 5-0 demolition of Dodoma Jiji.

From the opening whistle, Yanga imposed relentless pressure on Namungo, showcasing clinical possession play and a masterful grip on the tempo of the game. Coach Hamdi expressed deep satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“I’m truly proud of how we maintained our composure and seized the moment when it mattered most,” Hamdi said during the post-match interview. “But let me be clear the job is far from finished. We can’t afford to be complacent. We must remain hungry, focused and fight for every point until the final whistle of the season.”

Hamdi went on to commend his players for their mental robustness and discipline throughout the match: “What pleased me most was our tactical discipline and focus under pressure. The players stuck to t h e game plan and delivered when it counted.

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However, we cannot afford to let up every match from here is a final.” On the opposite bench, Namungo Head Coach Juma Mgunda struck a tone of optimism despite the loss. He acknowledged Yanga’s quality but remained proud of his squad’s fighting spirit.

“We gave our all and showed great character, even though we faced a very strong opponent,” said Mgunda. “Our focus now shifts to the remaining two matches. We believe in our ability to stay in the mid-table and finish the season strong.”

Following their league triumph, Yanga now set their sights on the upcoming semi-final clash against JKT Tanzania in the Federation Cup on Saturday scheduled to take place at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

Coach Hamdi emphasised the need to carry forward their momentum.

“We must remain grounded. The semi-final is another huge test and we need to be fully prepared,” he added.

Elsewhere in Tuesday’s actions, JKT Tanzania secured a vital 3-1 victory over Fountain Gate, while Pamba Jiji earned a 2-0 win against relegated KenGold FC.

With just two matches left in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League season, both the title race and the playoff battle remain fiercely contested.