Young Africans (Yanga SC) clinched their first silverware of the season with a commanding 4-1 win over Azam in the Community Shield match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
The match was action-packed, featuring a flurry of goals in the first half; with Yanga taking a commanding 3-1 lead by the break.Azam initially seized the advantage with an early goal from Feisal Salum. In the 13th minute, Salum scored with a well-placed strike after receiving a precise cross from Gibril Sillah.
Salum skilfully controlled the ball with his right knee before finishing with his right foot, delighting Azam fans. However, Yanga quickly responded to the early setback. Just five minutes after Salum’s opener, Yanga equalised through Prince Dube, who capitalised on a counter-attack orchestrated by Mudathir Yahya.
Dube exploited a defensive lapse by Azam, getting a clear shot on goal despite Yannick Bangala’s attempt to block him.
Yanga’s tactical approach proved more effective as they not only attacked aggressively but also maintained a strong defensive posture. They utilized a midfield setup with five players—three attacking and two defensive—helping them manage the game well.
Azam struggled to regroup after the equalizer and were further disadvantaged by an own goal from Yoro Diaby in the 28th minute, following a dangerous cross from Chadrack Boka.
This own goal added to Azam’s woes, with Yanga’s supporters celebrating as Azam’s fans were left disheartened. Barely three minutes after the own goal, Yanga extended their lead with a third goal from Aziz Ki.
As the first half drew to a close, Gibril Sillah attempted to reduce the deficit with a powerful shot, but it was expertly saved by Yanga’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.Yanga sealed their triumph when Clement Mzize scored the fourth goal after receiving a perfectly placed through pass from Clatous Chama.
Yanga’s performance in the first half was a showcase of their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, leading them to a well-earned victory and their first piece of silverware.