Yanga Football Club strengthened its grip on the top spot in the Tanzanian Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Azam at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.
The win sees Yanga maintain a commanding lead in the race for the title as the league nears its conclusion.
The match kicked off with Yanga asserting their dominance early on. In the 11th minute, Pacome Zouzoua capitalized on a well-executed move to score, giving Yanga a 1-0 lead. Azam struggled to respond, and in the 34th minute, Prince Dube doubled the visitors' advantage with a clinical strike, making it 2-0 before the break.
The first half ended with Yanga firmly in control, and Azam faced a steep challenge in the second half. The home side came out with more urgency after the restart, and in the 81st minute, they managed to pull one back through a goal from Lusajo Mwaikenda.
Despite the late rally, Azam could not break down Yanga’s defense, and the match ended 2-1 in favor of the leaders.
This victory pushed Yanga to 67 points, further extending their lead at the top of the table. Second-placed Simba remains 10 points behind on 57 points, while Azam's hopes of securing the title this season were effectively dashed, with their third-place position at 51 points.
Even with a perfect run in their remaining matches, Azam can no longer catch up with the leaders.
Elsewhere in the league, Mashujaa continued their strong form with a 3-0 victory over Tabora United at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma. Coastal Union also secured a 2-1 win over Singida Black Stars at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, while JKT Tanzania and Namungo played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Meja Jenerali Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Yanga's starting lineup for the match included Djigui Diarra, Ibrahim Abdullah, Dickson Job, Pacome Zouzoua, Duke Abuya, Clatous Chama, Mudathir Yahya, Prince Dube, Maxi Nzengeli, and Kibwana Shomari.
With just a few matches remaining in the season, Yanga is well-positioned to claim the league title, but their rivals, Simba, will be hoping for a slip-up in the coming weeks.
Fans of both teams are eagerly awaiting the final stages of what promises to be an intense finish to the season.
