DEFENDING NBC Premier League champions, Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga), continued their impressive start to the 2024/25 season with a 2-0 victory over JKT Tanzania on Tuesday at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The win marks Young Africans’ sixth consecutive triumph, underlining their title aspirations as they rise up the league standings and reaffirm their dominance in Tanzanian football.

The victory was a display of Young Africans’ maturity and tactical awareness. 

Head coach Miguel Gamondi emphasized the importance of maintaining control and managing the game, especially after a pivotal moment in the 39th minute when JKT Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Dennis Richard, was sent off for handling the ball outside the box. 

The red card gave Young Africans a numerical advantage, but rather than pushing for an aggressive scoreline, Gamondi’s side focused on preserving energy while securing the win.

"After the red card to the opponent’s goalkeeper, I expected them to press more, but they didn't," Gamondi explained in his post-match interview. "Some might ask why we didn’t score more goals, but it’s not always about that. We needed to manage our energy and control the game, which we did effectively."

While the coach acknowledged the team's ability to create several scoring opportunities, he stressed that the primary objective was to secure three points. 

The Argentine tactician said: "JKT Tanzania were in a low block, holding the ball at the back, and we let them. For us, the most important thing was getting the win and keeping another clean sheet. We've won 15 of our last 16 games and kept 12 clean sheets. What more can I say?"

The match saw Young Africans’ forward line capitalize on their numerical advantage in the first half. Ivory Coast striker Pacôme Zouzoua opened the scoring with a well-placed shot in the 23rd minute, his third goal of the season. 

Young Africans doubled their lead just before halftime through Zambian playmaker Clatous Chama, who executed a clinical finish in the 44th minute, capping off a slick team move. Chama, known for his creative brilliance, has been instrumental in Young Africans impressive run, pulling the strings from midfield and adding vital goals.

Despite the setback of losing their goalkeeper, JKT Tanzania displayed resilience. The team regrouped, adopting a defensive approach and implementing a low block to stifle Young Africans’ attacking prowess. 

Gamondi, however, praised JKT Tanzania for their tactical discipline and sportsmanship.

"Tactically, I congratulate their coach," Gamondi noted. "They minimized the damage by playing with a low block and showed great resilience after the red card. They held the ball and didn’t let us create many more clear opportunities."

JKT’s ability to remain composed and organized after going a man down impressed both fans and Young Africans’ coaching staff. The tactical adjustments made by their coach demonstrated that, even when faced with a numerical disadvantage, JKT could be difficult to break down.

Young Africans, on the other hand, maintained their control of the game, focusing on ball retention and preventing any counter-attacks from JKT. 

With a busy fixture list ahead, Gamondi emphasized the importance of managing energy levels, especially with challenging matches on the horizon. 

"The three points are what matter most. We have another game coming up soon, so energy management was crucial. I’m happy because the players need game time, but we also have to rotate to keep them fresh for the difficult games against Coastal Union, Singida Black Stars, and Azam FC," said the gaffer.

The win propels Young Africans to 18 points from six games, reclaiming second place on the league table, just one point behind Singida Black Stars, who lead with 19 points from seven matches. 

Young Africans’ defensive record continues to be a highlight of their season, with 12 clean sheets in 16 games, making them one of the most formidable defensive units in the league. 

Gamondi’s long-term strategy is evident in his decision to rotate the squad and ensure that players remain fresh throughout the season. 

With a congested schedule, including CAF Champions League matches and domestic league fixtures, squad depth and rotation will be crucial for Young Africans to maintain their momentum.

For JKT Tanzania, the loss leaves them with 10 points from eight matches, placing them seventh in the standings. While their solid start to the season has shown promise, they have struggled for consistency, particularly against the league’s top teams. 

Despite the defeat, JKT’s disciplined approach after going down to 10 men highlighted their resilience and ability to adapt tactically. 

With continued focus on defensive organization, they remain a side capable of troubling opponents in the league.

The upcoming fixtures will be critical for both teams. Young Africans are set to face Coastal Union, Singida Black Stars, and Azam FC in what promises to be a testing run of matches. 

For JKT Tanzania, their next matches will be an opportunity to regroup and solidify their mid-table position while aiming to climb higher in the standings.