Pacome’s brace powers Yanga

DAR ES SALAAM: PACÔME Zouzoua starred with a stunning brace as Young Africans cruised to a 5-0 victory over Fountain Gate at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

The Ivorian forward’s clinical performance secured all three points for Yanga in an impressive display of attacking football.

Along with his brace, Mudathir Yahya and Clement Mzize each scored, while Jackson Shija netted an own goal, sealing a dominant 5-0 victory.

With this victory, Young Africans now have 39 points from 15 matches, sitting in second place, just one point behind leader Simba.

The win solidifies their position in the race for the league title as they continue to push for the top honour. Following the results, Fountain Gate currently sit in sixth place with 20 points from 16 games.

They have struggled in recent matches, winning just one of their last five outings and suffering four defeats during that period.

Young Africans dominated yesterday’s match and their efforts paid off in the 16th minute with an opening goal through Pacome.

The move began with Dickson Job winning a challenge in Fountain Gate midfield, sparking a brilliant team effort.

He passed the ball to Mudathir Yahya, who made a precise through ball to Chadrack Boka on the left wing. Boka then delivered a perfect assist to Pacôme Zouzoua, who calmly finished to give Young Africans the lead.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Mudathir Yahya doubled Young Africans’ lead in the 40th minute. He capitalised on a perfect header assist from Clement Mzize, who reacted quickly to a clearance attempt by Fountain Gate defenders.

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As they tried to clear Stephen Azizi Ki’s corner, the ball seemed destined for a goal kick, but Mzize positioned himself expertly to keep it in play. He then returned the ball into the box, where Yahya calmly directed it into the net.

Just before the break, Pacôme struck again, this time receiving a perfectly timed pass from Mzize, who threaded a precise through ball to set up Pacôme for a clinical finish, punishing Fountain Gate once more.

Young Africans came out strong in the second half and just seven minutes in, Pacôme nearly got a hat trick with a powerful shot from outside the box that beat Fountain Gate goalkeeper John Noble.

Unfortunately, the shot struck the woodwork, but due to the pressure in the box, the rebound deflected off a Fountain Gate player and into the net.

As the match neared its end, Mzize added his name to the score sheet in the 87th minute, finishing off a brilliant counter-attack. Initiated by Salum Abubakar, the ball found Mzize, who skillfully beat goalkeeper John Noble, who had rushed off his line to challenge him.

Despite Laurian Makame’s late attempt to clear the ball off the line, the ball was quick to direct into the net.