DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans secured a late 1-0 win over Dodoma Jiji in a solo Mainland Premier League match at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
Substitute Mudathir Yahya netted the winner in the 82nd minute to break the deadlock and drive his side at the summit of the league after posting 34 points from 13th outings.
It was a good response for the defending champions after a barren draw against Kagera Sugar in their previous match held at the Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera last Friday.
Midfielder Pacome Zouzoua orchestrated the goal move as he picked Nickson Kibabage’s pass before he played a cut back pass into the box that was well connected by Yahya.
After a slow start, Yanga made first attempt in the 3rd minute with a strong header by Joseph Guede that forced Dodoma Jiji goalie Mohamed Hussein into action as he stretched to save it to safety.
The Ivorian striker was making his second appearance for Yanga after his debut against Kagera Sugar.
Another golden chance for the hosts went begging in the 25th minute with Kennedy Musonda wasting a clear opportunity before Zouzou’s big miss few minutes later.
For Dodoma Jiji, who showed resilience in defending, not much was registered by them in the first half no wonder they hardly had a shot on target.
Anuary Jabir and Gustapha Simon had their best moments in the opening half but could not make the most of their chances.
In the second half, both teams made early changes to boost creativity with Yanga introducing Mudathir Yahya and Clement Mzize for Jonas Mkuda and Musonda repectively while Dodoma Jiji ejected Simon for Yassin Mgaza.
Again, Dodoma shot-stopper Hussein had a superb save to in the 82nd minute to deny Mzize’s pin-point header.
Meanwhile, Yanga yesterday unveiled Anniversary Week as part of commemorating the club’s 89th birthday whose climax will be held on February 11th in Mbeya.
Briefing reporters in the city, the club’s Media and Communication Officer Ally Kamwe said a lot of events have been lined up to spice up the week.
“Tomorrow (today), we are going to sign a working partnership with one of the biggest hospitals in the world and on Wednesday, we will re-open our newly refurbished Yanga headquarters at Jangwani street in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam,” said Kamwe.
He added: “On Thursday, we have a big surprise for our members then on Sunday, it will be a climax of our 89th anniversary to be held at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya…and on the same day, we will play a league match against Tanzania Prisons.”
He then seized the platform to encourage many Yanga fans to flock to Mbeya in big number to witness the big day.
Also, Kamwe revealed that the project of stadium construction will begin soon.