YOUNG Africans secured an emphatic 4-0 win over Dodoma Jiji at the Jamhuri Stadium, reinforcing their position as second in the Premier League standings.

A brace from Clement Mzize, along with goals from Stephane Aziz Ki and Prince Dube, ensured the Jangwani-based side walked away with three crucial points in their title race.

The match started with both teams displaying early intent. Young Africans almost took the lead in the 5th minute when Aziz Ki’s corner kick struck the crossbar. 

Dodoma Jiji quickly responded with a counterattack, but Zidane Seleli’s shot found only the side netting.

Mzize broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, heading home a perfectly delivered corner kick from Pacome Zouzoua. The goal lifted Young Africans' confidence as they continued to press their opponents.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 27th minute through a penalty. Dube was fouled inside the box by Dodoma Jiji goalkeeper Mohamed Hussein, who was shown a yellow card for the challenge. 

Aziz Ki confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.

The third goal came in the 37th minute, following a costly mistake by goalkeeper Hussein. Failing to clear the ball, it fell directly to Aziz Ki, who seized the opportunity to set up Mzize for an easy finish into an empty net.

Young Africans controlled the tempo in the second half, maintaining possession and neutralizing Dodoma Jiji’s attempts to mount a comeback. 

They scored their fourth goal in the 62th minute finishing superbly an assist from Mudathir Yahya.

Although no goals were added in the latter period, the defending champions’ dominance was evident as they comfortably saw out the match.

The victory marked Young Africans’ third consecutive league win, putting them back on track after a challenging spell of poor form earlier in the season. 

With 36 points from 14 matches, they remain in second place, just one point behind league leaders Simba SC. The team has scored an impressive 27 goals while conceding only six, highlighting their strength in both attack and defense.

Dodoma Jiji, on the other hand, continued their struggles. Currently sitting in 11th place with 16 points from 15 matches, the team has managed only four wins this season, alongside four draws and seven losses. 

Their recent form is concerning, with just one win in their last five matches, leaving them vulnerable to the relegation battle.

Young Africans will now shift their focus to their upcoming fixtures. They are set to face Fountain Gate FC in their next league match before turning their attention to continental duties in the CAF Champions League group stage, where they will take on TP Mazembe. 

These matches will test the depth and resilience of the defending champions as they balance domestic and international commitments.

Dodoma Jiji, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in their next league games against Mashujaa FC, Pamba Jiji, and Namungo FC. The team will need to address their defensive frailties and inconsistent form to avoid slipping further down the table.

The victory over Dodoma Jiji keeps Young Africans firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title and puts pressure on their rivals, Simba SC. 

For Dodoma Jiji, the loss highlighted the team’s struggles this season, leaving them with much work to do to improve their form.

Dodoma Jiji starting line-up:

Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Mhilu Jr, Dissan Galiwango, Joach Onyango, Augustino Sata, Salmin Hoza, Zidane Seleli, Idd Kipagwile, Daud Milandu, Mwana Kibuta, Paul Peter

Young Africans starting line-up:

Abdutwalib Mshery, Kibwana Shomari, Nickson Kibabage, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Bacca, Khalid Aucho, ClementMzize, Mudathir Yahya, Prince Dube, Stephane Aziz Ki, Pacome Zouzoua.