Young Africans (Yanga) suffered a 2-1 defeat to DR Congo’s Les Aigles du Congo in an international friendly that marked the climax of the club’s Yanga Day celebrations at Uhuru Stadium on Sunday.
The result provided an early test for Yanga as the Jangwani-based side steps up preparations for the 2026/27 season, with the club looking to fine-tune its squad ahead of a demanding domestic and continental campaign.
Yanga started brightly and were rewarded in the 27th minute when Peter Shalulile converted from the penalty spot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The visitors, however, responded quickly, with Talasy Tonny restoring parity in the 36th minute to send the two sides into the break level at 1-1.
Both teams returned for the second half with greater intensity, creating opportunities as they searched for the decisive goal.
It was Les Aigles who made their pressure count, with Tonny completing his brace in the 65th minute to put the Congolese side 2-1 ahead.
Yanga attempted to fight back in the closing stages, but could not find a way past the visitors’ defence, allowing Les Aigles to leave the Uhuru Stadium with the victory.
Despite the result, the match offered Yanga’s technical bench an opportunity to assess the squad’s readiness and identify areas requiring improvement before the competitive season begins.
The fixture was the headline sporting event of Yanga Day, an annual celebration through which the club formally presents its players, technical staff and plans for the new season to its supporters.
With the 2026/27 campaign approaching, attention will now turn to how Yanga responds to the defeat as the club continues its preparations for the challenges ahead.
