A HAT-TRICK from Prince Dube gave Young Africans a hard-fought 3-2 win against Mashujaa FC during their Premier League match held at the KMC Complex yesterday.

Young Africans started the game attacking Mashujaa from the first whistle. In the second minute, striker Clement Mzize missed a good chance when his powerful shot went over the crossbar following a cross from Attohua Yao.

Three minutes later, Dube missed another opportunity when he failed to connect with a cross from Pacome Zouzoua. 

However, using the right flank for their attacks, Young Africans scored their first goal through Dube in the seventh minute. 

He finished superbly following a counterattack and a precise pass from Zouzoua, catching the Mashujaa defenders unprepared.

Dube was on the scoresheet again in the 22nd minute, heading home a second goal after an assist from Mzize. 

Mashujaa made their first serious attempt in the 33rd minute when Young Africans defender Ibrahim Bacca was called to action, blocking a shot from Ismail Mgunda inside the six-yard box.

Dube remained a constant threat and narrowly missed another chance in the 37th minute when his shot went just inches wide of the post. 

When it seemed like the first half would end with a two-goal lead, Mashujaa struck back. David Ulomi unleashed a 20-meter low shot in stoppage time that gave goalkeeper Abubakar Khoneimy no chance.

In the second half, Dube completed his hat-trick in the 52nd minute, heading home a long cross from defender Shomari Kibwana. 

Mashujaa responded in the 62nd minute when substitute Idrisa Stambuli fired a 20-meter powerful shot that Khoneimy failed to stop.

The win lift Young Africans to  third position with 30 points after 12 matches. They trail league leaders Azam FC, who have 33 points from 15 matches, and second-placed Simba, who have 31 points after 12 matches.

Young Africans Sports Club starting line-up:

Abubakar Khoneimy, Attohua Yao, Shomari Kibwana, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Bacca, Khalidi Aucho, Clement Mzize, Duke Abuya, Prince Dube, Stephane Aziz Ki, Pacome Zouzoua

Mashujaa Football Club starting line-up:

Munthary, Abrahaman, Gamal, Ame, Abdulmarlik, Dunia, Cheda, Mgandila, Mgunda, Ulomi, Balama