LINDI: YOUNG Africans (Yanga) returned to winning ways with a decisive 2-0 victory over Namungo at Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi on Saturday, marking a much-needed resurgence after a recent slump in form.
The goals came from Kennedy Musonda and Pacôme Zouzoua, both finding the net in the second half to secure the team’s recovery from consecutive league defeats against Azam FC and Tabora United, as well as a midweek CAF Champions League loss to Sudan’s Al Hilal.
This victory elevates Young Africans to 27 points, bringing them level with Azam in second place. Both teams share identical statistics, equal goals scored and conceded, but the key difference is in the number of games played, with Young Africans having competed in 11 matches compared to Azam’s 12.
They are closely trailing league leaders Simba, who are just one point ahead.
The turning point of yesterday’s match came in the 49th minute when Musonda opened the scoring with a well-placed shot. Maxi Nzengeli orchestrated the goal with a perfectly timed pass that sliced through the Namungo defence, allowing Musonda to slide the ball past goalkeeper Beno Kakolanya with ease.
Young Africans’ coach Sead Ramovic made pivotal tactical adjustments in the second half, substituting Clatous Chama and Prince Dube for Aziz Ki and Nzengeli. These changes proved effective, as Chama set up Zouzoua for the second goal in the 69th minute, further solidifying their win.
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Despite the victory, Young Africans missed five regular players due to various reasons, including injuries. Notable absences included first-choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, alongside Khalid Aucho, Ibrahim Bacca, Shadrack Boka and Clement Mzize.
In another league encounter, Mashujaa and Kagera Sugar played to a 1-1 draw at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma. Kagera Sugar took an early lead in the 31st minute with a diving header from Tariq Seif, courtesy of a well-placed cross by Peter Datius. However, Mashujaa equalised through Mohamed Musa, who converted a penalty with composure.
Following the draw, Kagera Sugar sits in 13th place with nine points from 12 matches, while Mashujaa occupies sixth place with 17 points from the same number of games.
