YOUNG Africans (Yanga) climbed to the top of the Mainland Premier League standings following a commanding 5-0 victory over JKT Tanzania at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

A first-half strike from Mohamed Hussein and four second-half goals courtesy of Aurélio Depu, Mudathir Yahya, Prince Dube and substitute Sheikhan Hamis secured a resounding win for the defending champions.

The result sees Young Africans move to the summit of the table with 28 points, having recorded nine wins and one draw from their opening 10 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process.

The Jangwani Street side made their intentions clear early on. In the fifth minute, when Depu  came close when his effort inside the six-yard box was blocked by JKT goalkeeper Ramadhan Chalamanda.

Young Africans broke the deadlock two minutes later when Hussein superbly finished off a well-delivered pass from Dube in the seventh minute.

Chalamanda was called into action again in the 20th minute, comfortably collecting a close-range effort from Mudathir.

JKT Tanzania responded in the 25th minute when Mohamed Bakary unleashed a powerful shot after receiving a pass from Ally Msengi, but the effort was blocked by Young Africans defenders.

Young Africans goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was tested in the 41st minute, punching away a dangerous long-range attempt from Hassan Nassor to keep his clean sheet intact at halftime.

The second half saw the defending champions assert their dominance. Depu doubled the lead shortly after the restart, capitalising on defensive lapses to put Young Africans firmly in control.

Mudathir extended the advantage in the 62nd minute. A cross from Dube was partially cleared by JKT defenders, struck the post, and Mudathir reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.

Young Africans added their fourth in the 84th minute when Dube was on the scoresheet, calmly finishing a low cross from substitute Buba Jammeh.

Substitute Sheikhan wrapped up the scoring in the 89th minute with a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 triumph.

The victory marks another significant step for the reigning champions as they intensify their pursuit of a fifth consecutive league title.

JKT Tanzania drop to second position in the standings with 28 points, having registered seven wins, two draws and three defeats after 17 matches.

Young Africans will now shift their focus to the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby against arch-rivals Simba, scheduled to take place at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on Sunday. The clash is expected to draw a large turnout, with the result likely to have a major bearing on the title race.

Young Africans Starting XI:
Djigui Diarra, Israel Mwenda, Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Bacca, Duke Abuya, Maxi Nzengeli, Mudathir Yahya, Stephane Aziz Ki, Allan Okello, Prince Dube.

JKT Tanzania Starting XI:
Ramadhan Chalamanda, Anuary Kilemile, Karimu Mfaume, Paschal Manyama, Edson Katanga, Sospeter Bajana, Mohamed Bakary, Hassan Nassor, Paul Peter, Ally Msengi, Salehe Karabaka.