Yanga, Azam battle for command of U-17 League

THE Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Under-17 club-level league has gained momentum as Young Africans and Azam command the 16-team table with 12 points apiece.

Yanga seized the top spot courtesy of a superior goal average after netting 19 goals and conceded once in their four matches, while the second-placed Azam converted 13 goals and conceded once.

Interestingly, both sides won 4-1 in their previous fixtures, with Yanga punishing JKT Tanzania while Azam defeated Ruvu Shooting to bag the maximum points.

On third, fourth, and fifth place are Ihefu, Singida Big Stars, and Simba with 10 points each after four engagements, hence just two points away from catching up with the top two sides.

The most exciting part of this year’s youth league is that the top five teams have yet to taste a defeat in their past four games.

Their only point difference is on the number of games they have won, drawn and the goal average between the five giants.

The question remains, which team will maintain consistency in their forthcoming games among the five teams?

Ruvu Shooting are sixth, tied with Mbeya Kwanza, who sit seventh, generating seven points.

Transit Camp and African Sports accommodate eighth and ninth slots with 6 points in the bag.

Karume Youth Centre hauled five points to claim the 10th place, whereas African Lyon enjoy the eleventh slot courtesy of three points.

JKU Academy, KMC and JKT Tanzania have picked just one point in four encounters to occupy the 12th, 13th, and 14th places in that order.

Also, things are hard for Pan African and Green Warriors, who fill the last two bottom slots win-less and point-less.

So far, since the league commenced, 106 goals have been banked.

Young Africans lead in goal tally with 19 while Green Warriors scored a goal in four games.

Interestingly, Young Africans and Azam conceded a goal, while Pan African conceded more than any other team, that’s 16 goals.