Young Africans SC (Yanga) continued their impressive run in the Tanzanian Premier League with a decisive 4-0 victory over Dodoma Jiji FC on December 25, 2024, at Jamhuri Stadium. This commanding win not only strengthened Yanga's position but also highlighted their determination to reclaim the league title.
Yanga entered the match with their eyes set on the top of the league standings, as they were just one point behind their arch-rivals, Simba SC. With two consecutive victories under their belt prior to this match, the defending champions were eager to maintain this momentum. Coach Sead Ramovic made it clear how pivotal this game was, stating, “Three points today are crucials for us to stay on track with our plans.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by Dodoma Jiji, especially considering their home advantage.
The match commenced with Yanga dominating from the outset. They opened the scoring early, with Clement Mzize finding the back of the net in the 19th minute, following a precise corner kick taken by Pacome Zouzoua. Their second goal came shortly after when Mzize was fouled by Dodoma's goalkeeper, Mohammed Hussein, leading to Stephane Aziz Ki confidently converting the penalty.
Mzize was not finished yet; he scored his second goal of the match just before halftime, capitalizing on Mudathir Yahya's clever assist after dodging a defensive error. Mzize's clinical finish extended Yanga's lead to three goals as they took firm control of the match.
The onslaught continued when Prince Dube added another goal for Yanga, skillfully finishing off Yahya's assist early in the second half. This goal sealed the match and showcased the sheer dominance of Yanga over Dodoma Jiji. Despite several attempts, Dodoma struggled to convert their opportunities, with key chances falling flat against Yanga's solid defense.
Dodoma Jiji FC, now positioning itself at 12th place with only 16 points from 15 matches, was unable to find the same form they showed at the beginning of the season, managing only four wins. Their recent performances, with only one victory from their last five matches, added pressure as they sought to escape the bottom half of the league.
Ramovic’s remarks prior to the match hinted at the importance of commitment from his players, stating, “Victory tomorrow will depend on the dedication of everyone involved. If we don’t give our best, the chances of winning will diminish.” This sentiment echoed throughout the team’s performance as they executed their strategies effectively against Dodoma Jiji.
Statistics from the match reflected Yanga's overall dominance; they managed to score 4 goals, marking their fifth consecutive win against Dodoma Jiji, who has yet to secure victory against Yanga over their last eight competitive matches (0 wins, 7 losses, and one draw). Young Africans have been prolific this season, boasting 36 points from 14 matches, showcasing their offensive prowess by scoring 27 goals and conceding only 6.
Meanwhile, Dodoma Jiji's struggles indicate the need for significant improvement if they wish to remain competitive this season. The match served as a wake-up call for the team to reassess its strategies moving forward, with upcoming fixtures including league matches against Mashujaa FC, Pamba Jiji, and Namungo FC.
Looking forward, Young Africans must maintain their focus as they prepare for their next challenge against Fountaine Gate and then shift their attention to continental duties, facing TP Mazembe. The stakes are high for both teams, and as the league continues, every match becomes increasingly significant.
With the victory over Dodoma Jiji, Young Africans SC firmly established themselves as title contenders, raising excitement among fans and mounting pressure on league leaders Simba. The clash between these two teams always promises intense rivalry, adding to the anticipation of subsequent fixtures as the season progresses.
