YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) emphatically returned to winning ways with a dominant 6-1 victory over KMC FC in their Premier League encounter at the KMC Complex yesterday.

A hat-trick from Stephano Aziz Ki, alongside goals from Prince Dube, Max Nzengeli, and Israel Mwenda, secured all three points for Young Africans, sending them back to the top of the league standings.

The defending champions entered the match eager to bounce back from their frustrating goalless draw against JKT Tanzania on Monday - a result that left fans disappointed and in need of a strong response.

Young Africans wasted no time asserting their dominance, immediately pushing into KMC’s penalty area. Mudathir Yahya had an early chance in the first minute, but his shot sailed over the bar following a setup from Aziz Ki.

Aziz Ki nearly opened the scoring in the 5th minute, but his low shot rolled just centimeters wide of the post.

KMC goalkeeper Ismael Bombona was called into action early, making a crucial save in the 8th minute to deny Clement Mzize from close range.

The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Dube rose unmarked to power home a header past Bombona following a cross from Nzengeli.

Young Africans doubled their lead in the 18th minute after Mzize was brought down inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Aziz Ki stepped up and coolly slotted the ball home, sending Bombona the wrong way.

Young Africans continued their onslaught in the second half, with Aziz Ki scoring his second of the night before KMC pulled one back in the 51st minute. 

Redemtus Musa unleashed a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Djigui Diarra for the hosts' only goal.

Aziz Ki completed his hat-trick in the 56th minute, converting another penalty after Dube was fouled by Bombona inside the box.

Nzengeli extended Young Africans’ lead to 5-1 in the 90th minute, finishing a well-worked pass from Dube, before Mwenda sealed the rout in stoppage time with another goal, again assisted by Dube.

The victory propels Young Africans to 49 points after 19 matches, with a record of 16 wins, one draw, and two losses. 

They have netted 48 goals while conceding just eight, underlining their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.

Young Africans now shifts focus to their upcoming fixtures, beginning with a match against Singida Black Stars on February 17, followed by an away trip to Mashujaa FC on February 23, another away clash against Pamba Jiji FC on February 28, and the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby against Simba SC on March 8.