JKT Tanzania’s Man of the Match, Wilson Nangu, has revealed the defensive strategy that helped his side hold defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) to a scoreless draw on Monday at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Young Africans’ attacking duo, Clement Mzize and Prince Dube, had been in lethal form under coach Sead Ramovic, scoring a combined 14 goals in their previous seven Premier League matches. 

However, JKT Tanzania’s resolute defense, led by captain Edson Katanga and Nangu (pictured), managed to neutralize the dangerous forwards and secure a crucial point.

This result marked only the second time this season that Young Africans failed to score in a league match, the first being their 1-0 loss to Azam on November 2, 2024.

Nangu, who was instrumental in shutting down Young Africans’ attack, shared insights into their defensive strategy:

"During training, we constantly reminded each other that when one of us goes to tackle, the others need to cover the open space. 

“I think that's what helped us a lot today to avoid conceding a goal because we know Yanga has players who will punish you if you give them space.

"Also, the coach always tells us that when we play at home, we need to fight to make sure we don't lose the match. If we can't get three points, then we should at least leave with one. 

“That’s why we haven't lost at home so far this season, and it's been difficult for opponents to score against us."

JKT Tanzania has maintained a solid home record this season: eight matches played, three wins, five draws, zero losses, seven goals scored, three conceded and six clean sheets.

However, their away form has been a struggle: 11 matches played, one win, four draws, six losses, four goals scored and 11 conceded.

Currently, JKT Tanzania sit 12th in the league standings with 20 points from 18 matches (four wins, eight draws, six losses).

JKT Tanzania will face Singida Black Stars at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in their next match. 

Singida Black Stars will be looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to KMC on Monday.

With their unbeaten home record, JKT Tanzania will be eager to secure all three points and climb further up the league table.