Young Africans (Yanga SC) secured a late 1-0 win over Dodoma Jiji in a Tanzanian Mainland Premier League match at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

Substitute Mudathir Yahya netted the winner in the 82nd minute to break the deadlock and drive his side to the summit of the league after posting 34 points from 13 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.