Yanga unbeaten run collapses

SINGIDA: YOUNG Africans SC saw their unbeaten run come to a painful end after surrendering a commanding position to lose 3-2 against Dodoma Jiji FC in a dramatic Mainland Premier League clash at Airtel Stadium in Singida yesterday.

For long periods, Yanga appeared in full control. After Allan Okello’s early influence, they dictated the tempo and looked comfortable heading into the closing stages, having already taken the lead despite a 29th-minute setback when captain Bakari Mwamnyeto inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to allow Dodoma Jiji back into the game.

But football’s cruelty unfolded late on.

Dodoma Jiji launched a breathtaking comeback that completely flipped the script. Mbwana Kibuta struck in the 90th minute, a crucial goal that ignited belief and shifted momentum sharply toward the hosts. The atmosphere changed instantly as pressure mounted on the visitors.

Then came the decisive blow. Waziri Junior delivered the final twist, finishing a clinical counter-attack to complete an unforgettable turnaround and send the home fans into wild celebration, while Young Africans players were left stunned at how quickly victory had slipped away.

The defeat ends Young Africans’ unbeaten run and exposes rare late-game lapses, even as they remain top of the table with 54 points. Their position, however, could come under pressure from rivals Simba SC, who still have a game in hand.

For Dodoma Jiji FC, the win is a major boost, lifting them to seventh place with 32 points from 23 matches and marking one of their most memorable comebacks of the season.

In another league match at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, Coastal Union FC secured a 2-0 victory over hosts Mbeya City FC.

The visitors drew first blood in the 35th minute through Maabad Maabad after relentless pressure forced Mbeya City into a costly mistake at the back.

A hurried back pass left goalkeeper Sudi Dondola racing off his line to rescue the danger, but Maabad reacted quicker, stretching for the ball first before the keeper clattered into his boots inside the box. The referee pointed straight to the spot.

Maabad dusted himself off, steadied his nerves, and calmly sent Dondola the wrong way to give Coastal Union a deserved lead.

Coastal Union tightened their grip on the contest in the 60th minute with a moment of pure brilliance from Saad Mwanza.

Lurking outside the penalty area, Mwanza unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that screamed into the top-right corner, leaving Dondola rooted to the turf as the net rippled wildly.

The victory lifts Coastal Union FC to tenth place with 25 points from 23 matches, creating breathing space above the danger zone.

For Mbeya City FC, however, the defeat deepens relegation fears as they remain trapped in the drop zone with 21 points from 23 games.

With seven matches still to play, survival hopes are fading but not extinguished.